West Ham United have now made an approach to sign a player who has been in inspired form for his country at Euro 2024.
Right now, whilst most enjoy the Euros, Tim Steidten and his team will be working diligently behind the scenes.
Julen Lopetegui arrived in East London with big aspirations for this West Ham squad, not content with the quality or size of the team left behind by David Moyes.
And as has been the case for almost every summer in recent memory, the Hammers need a new goal-scorer, someone to better 34-year-old Michail Antonio’s efforts.
The Jamaican international is still doing a stellar job when fit, but needs better assistance than Danny Ings is providing.
And to that end, TBR Football understands that West Ham are one of a number of Premier League clubs who have now enquired about Georgia forward Georges Mikautadze.
READ MORE: West Ham in talks to sign ‘outstanding’ defender who Tim Steidten has been watching for months
Mikautadze has scored three goals for his country at Euro 2024, joint with Germany’s Jamal Musiala for the golden boot right now.
West Ham make Georges Mikautadze approach but Monaco set to win race
TBR can confirm that West Ham have been impressed with Mikautadze and have asked Ajax, his parent club, about his situation.
Newly-promoted Leicester City and Everton are also said to have taken interest in the Georgian, who scored 14 goals for FC Metz in all competitions last season during his loan.
Metz are set to complete a permanent move for Mikautadze imminently, but can’t realistically keep the forward beyond the summer given they were relegated to Ligue 2.
And with that in mind, sources have told TBR that Monaco are on course to tie up a deal for Mikautadze this summer, perhaps meaning West Ham will need to look elsewhere.
Lyon, Lens and Stade Rennais are also showing interest in the ‘phenomenal’ striker, but Monaco are on course to sign him.
The news is certainly a shame from West Ham’s point of view, given the 23-year-old has demonstrated both his goal-scoring ability and versatility at Euro 2024.
But fans will have faith that Steidten can still find the right profile to thrive under Lopetegui in this new era.
READ MORE: West Ham have three rivals for £100m off-pitch deal as external talks held