West Ham United continue their search for an attacking player after a failed attempt to sign long-term target Jesse Lingard. Manchester United made it clear that they won’t be allowing the English forward to join top-four race rivals West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, which has clearly upset Jesse Lingard. Now the London giants are looking at other alternatives and have identified Leeds United winger Raphina and Reims forward Hugo Ekitike.
The Hammers are looking for reinforcement in two positions this month, forward and central defender. But they are yet to pull off any of their transfer targets despite having a big budget available. David Moyes’ side are in the race for a top-four Premier League position this season and definitely need an attacking-minded player to bolster their chances.
In-form Michail Antonio remains the only natural striker available at London Stadium and will be in his 32 this summer. Jarrod Bowen is in excellent form lately but is proven more effective on the right-wing and is expected to leave at the end of this season.
According to a report from Sky Sports, West Ham United are in talks with Reims forward Hugo Ekitike and expected to complete a transfer before Monday transfer deadline. The 19-year-old French youngster has scored 8 goals in just 18 Ligue appearances this season after coming through the academy ranks at the Stade Auguste-Delaune. Newcastle United already saw their £25 million bid rejected this month but club president Jean-Pierre Caillot revealed their expected valuation for the striker this month.
“They(Newcastle) offered us €35m (£29.1m) in total but with many bonuses, some of which were almost impossible to achieve – like, for example, winning the Champions League. We want €30m (£24.9m) fixed plus €10m (£8.3m) in realisable bonuses.” – Reims President Jean-Pierre Caillot.
West Ham United Are One Of The Interested Clubs In Leeds Star Raphinha:
Sky Sports also reports that West Ham United are observing Leeds United winger Raphina very closely and are expected to make a bid before the transfer window closes in two days. The Brazilian winger has been sensational for the Whites since his arrival from Rennes two years ago. He scored 6 and assisted 9 Premier League goals last year and has already scored 8 league goals this season.
His contract at Elland Road ends in June 2024 and Leeds United are already in discussion with the player’s representative Deco over extending his stay. But they are willing to offload their star player this month if there is any bid in excess of £50 million in the next two days. Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Brazilian international but it is very unlikely that Raphinha leaving Leeds this month.