West Ham United are now keen on signing a Nottingham Forest player this summer following Julen Lopetegui’s appointment.
Both Lopetegui and Tim Steidten have a considerable amount of work to do in order to prepare this West Ham side for the coming season.
Lopetegui is said to want West Ham to sign up to eight players, believing the current squad is too small.
In terms of their priority signings, the club are thought to predominantly want a centre-back, a right-back and a forward.
The futures of both Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma seem uncertain right now, even if it’s unlikely that both will leave.
But in terms of signing a striker, it’s now a well known brief in east London.
David Moyes tried and failed several times to welcome a new number nine to revitalise his side, only to then default to Michail Antonio who has been an excellent servant to the club.
But with Steidten and Lopetegui combining, West Ham need to get it right this summer, they can’t start another season solely relying on Jarrod Bowen’s goals.
West Ham want Taiwo Awoniyi but Forest won’t sell their striker cheap
With that in mind, West Ham are now said to be interested in signing Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, whose future is slightly uncertain.
News of West Ham’s interest comes via The Athletic who state that Lopetegui’s side are one of several who admire Awoniyi.
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The report states that there is a ‘small amount of uncertainty’ over the 26-year-old’s future, who is perhaps now back up to Chris Wood.
But ultimately it would take a ‘significant offer’ for Forest to be tempted to sell, even if they are operating with PSR concerns.
Playing 20 Premier League games last season and scoring six goals, Awoniyi underwent groin surgery in November, hoping to overcome a persistent issue.
Now back fit, Awoniyi would be a clear upgrade on Lopetegui’s current options were West Ham to pursue a move.
The season before last, Awoniyi’s first in the Premier League, the striker scored 10 goals in 27 games.
And should the Nigerian stay fit for a whole campaign, he’s definitely capable of scoring 15 goals and beyond – a figure rarely seen for an individual in Moyes’ years.
All that being said, West Ham could now be about to submit a bid for winger who is one of the best dribblers in Europe.