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Sources: West Ham and Crystal Palace race to sign Ekitike in January
West Ham and Crystal Palace could reignite their interest in Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike in January, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the 21-year-old is likely to be one of the best available options on the market mid-season.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (15 September) that Ekitike is set to quit Ligue 1 giants PSG in January – with all parties accepting an exit is now the best possible route forward.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that PSG were left “frustrated” that Ekitike was unwilling to join Eintracht Frankfurt as part of the deal to bring Randal Kolo Muani.
It is believed the forward instead wanted a move to the Premier League and held talks with English clubs in a bid to make that switch a reality.
West Ham were involved in discussions over a potential deal for the youngster up until the last day of the summer window, while Crystal Palace also held a strong interest in his services.
Ekitike has played just eight minutes of action for PSG this term in a clear sign he is now surplus to requirements.
He spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Parc des Princes, scoring four goals in just 14 starts amid 32 appearances across all competitions.
The forward made his move to Luis Enrique’s side permanent in July as a result of the obligation clause in his original loan move.
Before that, Ekitike notched 11 goals and four assists in 28 games for boyhood club Stade de Reims to catch the attention of Europe’s elite.
The one-time Newcastle target can play as a centre-forward and on the left wing.
Crystal Palace currently have Odsonne Edouard, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew in attack – but lost talisman Wilfried Zaha earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, West Ham allowed big-money 2022 signing Gianluca Scamacca to depart for Roma without an out-and-out striker replacement.
In other news, Crystal Palace in race to sign English striker sensation.