West Ham United eye transfer for ‘devastating’ Karamoke Dembele amid Blackpool breakout
West Ham are interested in signing attacker Karamoke Dembele after a stand-out loan at Blackpool, according to HITC.
Graeme Bailey reported via the outlet’s website on 19 March that the 21-year-old has become a sought-after target off the back of his temporary move to League One this year, with the likes of Everton, Nottingham Forest and Championship leader Leeds United also interested.
The Brest attacking midfielder would be available from the French side for a “sizeable fee”, with Brentford and Wolves also “keeping tabs” on him after a series of “dazzling displays” this term.
Dembele, who has six goals and 11 assists for Blackpool so far, is additionally being watched by Leicester, Southampton and Middlesbrough as the “devastating” dribbler is now tipped to “belatedly make a big step towards fulfilling his potential”.
League One attacker on the cards for West Ham amid Everton and Nottingham Forest interest?
There is clearly a big difference between the Premier League and the third tier but if Dembele has always had the potential to reach the top and has just taken some time to realise it he could still be a valid option.
If so many top flight clubs, as well as ones who are likely to be in the division next season, are queuing up with interest then he clearly has some profile.
However, it may depend on quite how “sizeable” the fee Brest are looking for to let him go as to whether taking the risk that he is ready to make a big step up is worth taking.
With Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma gone without being replaced, and Lucas Paqueta still of interest to Manchester City [Telegraph, 23 February], there is likely to be a clear need to add to the attacking areas this summer.
But Dembele seems like exactly the sort of player who David Moyes would take a long time to give an opportunity to so if the Scot does remain in charge it potentially wouldn’t be a great fit.
Were he to move on though and the youngster was seen as an investment at a price that didn’t prevent other signings being made then perhaps a possible late-developing star would be worthwhile.
In other West Ham news, a rival club is looking to sign an exit-bound Hammers ace after advice from a former England star.
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