West Ham United hold high-level talks over Ademola Lookman as Irons transfer ‘more likely’
Ademola Lookman is subject of behind-the-scenes discussions at West Ham as they consider a move for the winger, GiveMeSport reports.
According to the outlet’s website on 27 October the Irons are one of the “more likely” next destinations for the Nigerian international, despite reported links to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
The Atalanta star, who has previously played for Everton, Fulham and Leicester in the Premier League, has earned a Ballon d’Or nomination after what BBC Sport (25 October) calls an “extraordinary” year where he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final to inflict Bayer Leverkusen’s only defeat all season last term.
Now the Irons are investigating the possibility of signing him in one of the upcoming windows as “senior figures” at the club discuss launching a move.
Mohammed Kudus issue to increase West Ham interest?
Lookman, who can also play as a second striker, looks like an attractive target in any circumstances after his incredible development with Atalanta.
In 88 games for the Serie A side he has registered 60 combined goals and assists [Transfermarkt] so it is little surprise the 27-year-old is attracting attention from various clubs.
But if signs that Mohammed Kudus is unhappy at the London Stadium continue to develop then the need for a player to fill the Ghanian star’s production could make West Ham’s interest in Lookman all the more pressing.
Kudus has already had some sort of spat with struggling new manager Julen Lopetegui this season, before his head-loss at red card against Tottenham last week, before it emerged that he has told his agents to speak to Liverpool about a move to Anfield [Anfield Watch, 25 October].
Something clearly isn’t clicking under Lopetegui for the most part so far this term, with most steps forward followed by a serious back again.
So maybe Kudus settles if and when the Spaniard gets the operation on track, as the manager is reportedly not yet in danger of an imminent sacking despite poor early-season form [Guardian, 21 October].
Either way a move for Lookman looks like it could be an exciting one, but if current stars end up leaving it would be all the more necessary.
Tim Steidten signed both Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville and Palmieras youngster Luis Guilherme for the wings in the summer, but the Dutchman has struggled to force his way in and the Brazilian has only a few minutes action in total, so their development as Irons will also have a bearing on further wide transfers.
In other West Ham news, Lopetegui is facing a review that could see his job security disappear.
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