West Ham ‘in talks’ with Reims over Hugo Ekitike – report
West Ham have entered talks with Reims for striker Hugo Ekitike, but the French club will demand ‘in excess of €30m (£25m)’ according to Sky Sports.
The Hammers are in desperate need of incomings this month to bolster their squad as they look to push for top four and a Champions League place.
David Moyes has been public about his want for a striker to add depth and competition for Michail Antonio, and it seems they have no turned their attention to Ligue 1 starlet Ekitike.
According to Sky Sports, the east London club are ‘in talks’ with Reims over the 19-year-old striker but it’s believed they will demand in excess of £25m to depart with him this month.
Ekitike has been linked with a move to Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain this month too.
Fresh
It’s been in the media for a while that West Ham want to sign the youngster, with some outlets reporting that bids have been rejected already during this window [Le10 Sport].
But it seems now that Reims have set their asking price and West Ham are confident of working towards that, with the deadline drawing ever closer.
Ekitike is a lightning fast attacker who can play through the middle or out wide, and has scored eight goals along with registering two assists in 18 appearances this season.
His performances and style have seen him dubbed as the ‘next Mbappe‘ by journalist Graeme Bailey, so if he can live up to that reputation then he will be well worth whatever West Ham pay for him.
He’s likely to come in as cover initially and work his way into the team over the next 18 months, but importantly will provide quality options for the team as they push for a historic season.
In other West Ham news, Reliable journalist shares if bid lodged for West Ham player ahead of Monday deadline