West Ham are reportedly tracking Toulouse striker Martin Braithwaite. The 25-year-old is in England for extra training sessions with specialist striker coach Allan Russell ahead of a move to the Premier League.
The Denmark international can also play on the wing, a similar style to Emmanuel Emenike, who the Hammers had on loan for the closing end of the Premier League season. With Emenike’s return to Fenerbahçe, Slaven Bilic and West Ham are looking to fill the gaps in the forward line.
Strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are both linked with moves away from East London as well.
Russell, who has experience training West Brom’s Saido Berahino, Burnley’s Andre Gray, and Newcastle’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, said of Braithwaite:
Martin will be a big hit in the Premier League, I’ve no doubt. He’s got explosive pace, his finishing is improving and by coming here for ten days he is showing his desire to work at his craft and improve. He’s got a great attitude.
The Hammers have had a £2.5 million offer rejected by Toulouse, but Braithwaite is still keen on a move to the Premier League. West Ham are not alone in tracking the player. Crystal Palace, Sunderland, and Hull City are also keeping tabs on the striker, according to a Sportsmail report in March.
Toulouse have set an asking price of £4 million for Braithwaite. The striker was a key part in Toulouse’s battle against relegation, which the club managed to avoid by one point. Braithwaite scored 11 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances with Toulouse last season.
