West Ham United could be thwarted in their attempts to sign Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez, according to reports.

The Hammers are on the lookout for a new striker following the knee injury to Enner Valencia, which will keep the Ecuadorian out until November.

The Daily Mail claims that the East London side have agreed a season-long loan deal for Jimenez, but they face a battle to land him a work permit due to tough Home Office guidelines.

Jimenez scored just one goal for Madrid last season.