The Sky Sports journalist reported via his personal X account (14 January) that although the Hammers are interested, a move would only be sanctioned if Forest can source a replacement for the former Liverpool man.
The journalist hinted at the potential of Nuno Espirito Santo going back in for PSV striker Santiago Gimenez but still said that it wasn’t “clear” whether that would be an avenue they’d explore.
“Nottingham Forest won’t allow Taiwo Awoniyi to leave this month, unless they have a striker to replace him,” he wrote.
“West Ham United are interested in Awoniyi, but haven’t made an approach yet. Forest talked to Santiago Gimenez in the summer, but not clear if they will revisit now.”
Graham Potter needs to find a new striker for West Ham United
One of the key areas that the Hammers have needed to strengthen since last season is certainly their striker options.
While Niclas Fullkrug was brought in during the summer to fill that void, the German has been consistently sidelined and has failed to live up to expectations.
At the moment, it’s unclear whether the Hammers will be able to make a move for Awoniyi but if they do, it could be one of their most important additions this season.
Although the £17.5million-rated attacker has been left out of Forest’s starting XI due to the impressive form of Chris Wood this term, it still feels like there’s plenty of fight left in the former Union Berlin man.
Last season, Awoniyi – once dubbed as “outstanding” by Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison (Nottingham Post) – bagged six goals in the Premier League and while he’s only netted one this term, it feels like he’d benefit from appearing on a more regular basis.
Nothing is yet set in stone but if Potter doesn’t bring in a striker during the January window, he’ll be digging his own grave.
In other West Ham news, Alex Crook has shared his verdict on the Hammers’ potential pursuit of Evan Ferguson.
