western ham United are reportedly making a “serious attempt” to sign Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi in January, according to transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The 27-year-old joined Liverpool as a teenager in 2015, but never managed to secure a place in the Reds first team. Thus, he was loaned out on several occasions to develop his career before signing permanently for Bundesliga club Union Berlin in 2021.
The Nigerian scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga in the 2021/22 season and after being impressed by his performances, Nottingham Forest decided to secure his service following their promotion.
However, Awoniyi has not been able to secure his place in the Reds' starting XI and has only started twice in the first division so far this season.
Chris Wood's excellent form has been the main reason behind this and the New Zealand international has contributed 14 goals in 20 league starts so far this season.
Awoniyi to West Ham
Now, writing in unknown, Plettenberg claims that West Ham have expressed interest in signing Awoniyi to strengthen their attack following their injury problems in this department. The Hammers want to complete the deal in this winter window and have already started talks.
Plettenberg wrote:
“West Ham are now making a serious attempt to sign Taiwo Awoniyi with immediate effect. The conversations have begun! The 27-year-old striker currently has a contract with Forest until 2027.”
Michail Antonio will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future following a serious car accident, while Jarrod Bowen has been sidelined after breaking his foot. On the other hand, Niclas Fullkrug has suffered a new hamstring problem and has just returned to action after recovering from an injury.
Danny Ings is therefore the only centre-forward fit for the Hammers at the moment. Therefore, signing a new striker in this window would be the right decision.
However, it will be interesting to see if the east London club ultimately opt to lure the African away from the City Ground before the deadline.
Meanwhile, after a disappointing defeat against Villa Aston in it FA Cup In last week's third round match, West Ham returned to winning ways by beating Fulham in the Premier League in midweek.
The Irons have appointed Graham Potter as their new manager after sacking Julen Lopetegui and this was his first win with his new club.
