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By Peter Akinbo.
West Ham United have entered contract talks with Nigerian striker Terem Moffi as they look to beat rivals from home and abroad to the Nigeria international, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to the Sun, the Hammers are confident their £25m bid will be accepted by the Ligue 1 side, and it is now understood that discussions are ongoing with Moffi’s representatives and that the Premier League side will be able to offer far superior terms than Ligue 1 side Nice.
However, it has been suggested the 23-year-old may not be willing to take a pay cut should the Hammers be relegated to the Championship.
A January move does feel unlikely considering both teams’ current league positions, but there’s now a chance Antonio could depart in the summer if the Hammers land Moffi.
The 23-year-old would provide Moyes’ strike force with added pace and power and could be viewed as a long-term replacement for Antonio.
If they do sign Moffi, it would be a big show of support to Moyes as he is currently under considerable pressure at the London Stadium. This weekend’s fixture against Everton has been touted as a make or break for the West Ham boss, with the Toffees also languishing near the foot of the table.
Nigerian forward Moffi has enjoyed a blistering first half of the Ligue 1 season. Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more than his 11 goals in the French topflight so far.
Moffi has scored 12 goals in 18 games in all competitions this season to help Lorient make a surprise charge for a European place as they sit seventh in the league.
Having arrived at the French club in 2020, the 23-year-old has racked up 59 goals in 135 games and helped them avoid relegation last season.
Lorient are reportedly asking for €30m for the player that they signed for just €8m from KV Kortrijk back in 2021. They are, however, aware that this fee may be difficult given that the Nigerian’s contract will expire at the end of next season.
The player himself remains keen to continue his development in France, rather than move abroad, according to L’Équipe.