West Ham United and Nottingham Forest have entered the race for Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, reports RMC Sport.
Ekitike first began to make a name for himself at Reims, scoring 11 goals in 28 appearances as a 19-year-old. This prompted PSG to fork out a reported €35 million fee for the youngster.
However, his move to the French capital has not worked out. He featured 32 times in all competitions last season, recording just four goals and four assists.
Les Parisiens are reportedly ready to cut their losses on the forward. Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan have been linked with a move for the Frenchman.
They could face competition from the Premier League, with West Ham United and Nottingham Forest both eyeing up a deal for Ekitike.
Forest were amongst the lowest scorers in the English top flight last term – only Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Southampton and Bournemouth netted fewer.
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi delivered an impressive minutes-per-goal ratio of 141 in the league. But his injury record was a concern last year and could once again prove costly. Manager Steve Cooper will want additional depth in his squad.
If he arrives at the City Ground, Ekitike will become the Reds’ fourth signing of the window. Chris Wood’s loan deal from Newcastle United was made permanent, while Anthony Elanga and Ola Aina have also arrived.
West Ham were also among the Premier League’s lowest scorers last season, hitting 42. No one in their squad bagged more than six goals, and their strikers scored a combined total of ten.
It’s been a concerning summer transfer window for the Hammers. They remain the only club in the division not to make a signing, and star man Declan Rice has departed for Arsenal.
The nine-figure sale of Rice has provided them with the funds to recruit new players in the market. However, they will want to get business done soon to avoid paying over the odds.
West Ham’s season begins on August 12, facing Bournemouth away. As for Nottingham Forest, they kick off the new campaign with a trip to Arsenal.
