West Ham have reportedly submitted an offer for Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Hammers are latecomers to the pursuit of the 19-year-old after it was widely reported Premier League rivals Newcastle United were keen on the Frenchman.
However, the Irons are believed to be willing to loan Ekitike back to the Ligue 1 club should a deal be completed during the January transfer window.
That’s according to a report from French outlet Le10Sport, as cited by West Ham News & Views on Twitter.
Despite reports of Newcastle being in advanced talks to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike for €30m, the only club to have made an offer so far is West Ham United.
The Hammers have offered €15m for the 19 year old and no response has been given so far.
[@le10sport] #WHUFC #COYI pic.twitter.com/CAKk0rbpcH
— West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews_) January 10, 2022
The report claims that the East London club are ‘actively hunting’ options in France and ‘would like to sign’ the twice capped France Under 20 starlet this month.
This season the youngster touted as the ‘next Mbappe’ has scored eight times and provided four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Valued at £5.4million and under contract in France until 2024 (Transfermarkt), paying the mooted £13million for Ekitike would represent a smart deal.
Possessing a wide range of impressive attacking attributes and already achieving invaluable experience at a top level, the teenager would be a smart addition to David Moyes’ squad.
In desperate need of support for Michail Antonio, the notion of loaning back the ace is one that should be reconsidered.
