West Ham United are in discussions with Nottingham Forest over a potential January move for Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi, with both loan and permanent options being considered, MySportDab Reports.
According to The Sun’s Jack Rosser, the Hammers have approached Forest about a loan deal for the 27-year-old but face a hurdle with Forest’s £20 million valuation for a permanent transfer.
West Ham are in urgent need of attacking reinforcements following injuries to Niclas Füllkrug, who is sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury, and Michail Antonio, who is recovering from a car accident.
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook confirmed the London club’s interest but noted that Forest would need to secure a replacement before sanctioning Awoniyi’s departure.
“The other name mentioned to me recently is Taiwo Awoniyi. He was Forest’s main striker but has lost his place to Chris Wood,” Crook said. “Forest would have to sign another forward first, but this is a deal to watch in the coming weeks.”
Awoniyi has struggled for consistent game time under new Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo, making just two Premier League starts this season. However, he impressed in their recent FA Cup victory over Luton Town.
Last season, the Nigeria international was a key figure for Forest, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the first five Premier League games before finishing the campaign with six goals and three assists.
New West Ham manager Graham Potter, also linked with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, currently has only 32-year-old Danny Ings as his sole fit striker.
Awoniyi was previously on West Ham’s radar last summer before they opted to sign Füllkrug instead.
