West Ham United stance on transfer for Taiwo Awoniyi shared as ‘top targets’ emerge
West Ham United would prefer to sign Youssef En-Neysri or Serhou Guirassy ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, according to Dean Jones.
The Nigerian forward has been linked with a summer move to the London Stadium having been a target for David Moyes and it was believed value would have fallen because of his injury issues [Daniel Taylor, 28 May].
Although the Hammers are understood to be considering a number of potential targets this summer, Sports Lens’ transfer correspondent Jones doesn’t expect Awoniyi to make the move to East London.
As quoted by Give Me Sport (31 May) he said: “He’s being linked with West Ham, but I don’t think that is on the cards from checks that I have made around it.
“Obviously, West Ham do want a new forward, and they are considering a variety of different elements when it comes to finding the right man, but I just get the impression there are other candidates that seem more likely than Awoniyi.
“I think En-Nesyri and Guirassy are two of the top targets, and they would move onto others if they prove not to be possible or if Steidten decides the terms of a deal are not suitable.”
Will West Ham United and Julen Lopetegui sign Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest?
West Ham and Julen Lopetegui were always going to be in the market for a new number nine this summer, especially as speculation continues to circle around the futures of both Danny Ings and Michail Antonio.
The former Real Madrid manager is understood to be keen to secure a number of incomings before he even officially starts work in July and you would have to imagine one of those additions would be a centre-forward.
Guirassy’s low release clause makes him an attractive option, while En-Nesyri has worked with Lopetegui before and could therefore adapt quickly to his methods. Either way, it doesn’t seem as though Awoniyi will be lining up in claret and blue.
Hopefully, the Hammers will be able to secure the signature of whoever they decide is their number one target sooner rather than later. That way, attention can begin to turn to other areas in need of recruitment.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are expected to delay a decision over Flynn Downes’ future at the London Stadium
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.