West Ham eye move for Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi

West Ham are one of the Premier League clubs heavily interested in signing Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

According to Bild journalist, Christian Falk, the likes of Newcastle United and Southampton are also keen to sign the 24-year-old former Liverpool striker.

He claims that the striker has a release clause of around £16m (20 million Euros).

West Ham

Falk wrote on Twitter: “True. West Ham, Newcastle and Southampton are interested in Taiwo Awoniyi of Union Berlin. The striker has a release clause of 20 million Euros.”

Cheaper alternative?

Falk doesn’t clearly say anything else apart from interest from the Hammers and other clubs.

He is well connected with German clubs, and it can be guessed that the Hammers have shown strong interest in the striker.

Signing a striker is necessary for the London club in the summer as David Moyes simply cannot rely on Michail Antonio for the entire season.

Benfica striker Darwin Nunez has been reportedly linked [Portugal newspaper Record (12 April, page 03)] with a move, but he is likely to cost huge money [The Atheltic]. The Nigerian on the other hand would be a cheaper alternative.

West Ham

The striker has been in scintillating form this season, having scored 18 goals in all competitions so far, including 13 in the Bundesliga.

His impressive form has helped Union Berlin move into sixth in the league table.

The price quoted for him is well within the budget for the London club, and it remains to be seen if they come up with a formal offer for him.

In other West Ham news, the club needs to protest this outrageous UEFA decision regarding the Europa League final if they make it there.

Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.