Graham Potter striker transfer: ‘Major development after West Ham talks held’
West Ham have had a major development as they search for a new striker for manager Graham Potter, Jack Rosser reports.
The Hammers are in desperate need of a new striker after star-man Michail Antonio was injured in a car crash in December, with summer signing Niclas Fullkrug again out injured.
The Irons could now sign Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi after an initial loan approach, with talks moving onto the possibility of a permanent deal.
Rosser posted on X that Forest are currently asking for around £20million for the Nigerian striker, however it is believed that the price-tag would have to be reduced to get a deal over the line.
The news comes the same day (13 January) that Football Insider reported an extraordinary bid for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran had been made.
West Ham need striker with Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio out
Football Insider Verdict
The Irons are in desperate need of a striker and have at times resorted to playing Jarrod Bowen out of position as a centre-forward this season.
Whilst he has performed decently, as one would expect of Bowen, the England international is not a natural at the position and his best comes when he is played as a right-winger.
The natural chemistry between the ex-Hull City man and Antonio is one of the reasons that the Hammers have failed in their attempts to replace the Jamaican.
However, with Antonio now out for the foreseeable future, West Ham do not have the luxury of falling back on him when a new striker fails to perform.
The good news, as Keith Wyness reported to Football Insider, is that the club have the financial capability to back their new manager, Potter.
The move for a striker who fits a similar playstyle to Antonio makes sense and that is likely why Duran and Awoniyi are now the top targets in January.
Both strikers have excellent hold-up play and will work as good foils for West Ham’s talented wingers.
In other news, West Ham have made a decision on Edson Alvarez’s future.
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