West Ham United in £33m talks for Eli Junior Kroupi transfer - Sky Sports

West Ham United are in talks with Lorient over a deal for forward Eli Junior Kroupi, according to Sky Sports.

Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol reported via the broadcaster's transfer blog [1 February] that the fee being discussed by the Hammers for France Under-19s international is understood to be £33 million.

The 18-year-old is one of a number of striker targets at the London Stadium, with Evan Ferguson another option on the table for Graham Potter.

West Ham in talks over Eli Junior Kroupi

A need for a new striker in East London can't be downplayed as Lucas Paqueta continues to be utilised as a false nine-style option.

Although the Brazil international has put in some positive performances in recent weeks, this may not be sustainable as the Irons move deeper into the season.

As a result, a move to bring Kroupi in before the 3 February deadline could be wise especially if other targets evade Potter and Co. this late in the winter window.

The Frenchman has already made 51 appearances for Lorient and has netted 14 times since making his debut during the 2022/23 season.

It would be a risk for to bring him in for such an expensive fee given his age but as deadline day moves ever closer, it may prove to be a last resort.

It will certainly be interesting to see if a move is completed for Kroupi or if an approach for Ferguson is realised with Brighton.

In other West Ham news, a Champions League club has started "intense" talks to sell a striker wanted in East London.

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