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Sources: West Ham could now swoop for Hugo Ekitike after £30m bid submitted
West Ham could come back in for Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Irons tried to sign the forward in the summer and were involved in discussions over a potential deal for the 21-year-old up until the transfer deadline – but a move failed to materialise.
It is believed David Moyes would like to bring a new striker to West Ham in January after failing to replace Gianluca Scamacca in the off-season.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (20 November) that the Irons continue to monitor the situation of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
However, the Cherries are unlikely to be willing to sanction an exit for the 26-year-old mid-season as they battle relegation from the Premier League.
Ekitike could be a viable alternative to the England international due to his lack of involvement at PSG.
He has been effectively frozen out at Parc des Princes and has played just eight minutes of action this term – a clear sign he is now surplus to requirements in the French capital.
The France Under-20 international spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Parc des Princes, scoring four goals in just 14 starts amid 32 appearances across all competitions before joining permanently this summer.
Newcastle came within a whisker of signing the 21-year-old during his time at Stade de Reims.
It is believed they had a bid of £30million including add-ons accepted by Reims – but the player rejected the move.
West Ham’s search for a striker could be accelerated by Michail Antonio’s recent knee injury sustained on international duty with Jamaica.
In the meantime, wingers Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are expected to lead the line for David Moyes’ side if the worst fears about Antonio’s injury are confirmed.
The Irons sit ninth in the Premier League and will play in the Europa League knockout stage in the new year.
In other news, West Ham in advanced talks over £20million-rated off-pitch deal.