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West Ham in Talks to Sign 19-Year-Old Reims Striker

By Mia Claydon

Reims' French forward Hugo Ekitike (R) celebrates after scoring during the French L1 football match between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Stade de Reims at The Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, south-western France on October 31, 2021. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP) (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims' French forward Hugo Ekitike (R) celebrates after scoring during the French L1 football match between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Stade de Reims at The Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, south-western France on October 31, 2021. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP) (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Sky Sports News has reported today that West Ham are ramping up the pressure to sign Reims starlet Hugo Ekitike. One source told Sky Sports News that talks are ‘underway‘ between the two clubs to secure a deal for the 19-year-old striker.

It is thought that the Ligue One club would expect in excess of £25m for the player, who has scored eight goals in 10 games this season. Last week, it was announced Reims has rejected an offer from Newcastle United for Ekitike, due to the clubs ‘high standards’ and a ‘proposal that did not suit’ them. Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot said he rejected the Geordies offer of £29.1m (€35m), and included ‘impossible to achieve’ clauses, such as ‘winning the Champions League.’ The club rate Ekitike very highly, and will not be in a rush to sell, as his contract runs until 2024.

LYON, FRANCE – DECEMBER 01: Hugo Ekitike of Reims celebrates his goal during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Olympique Lyon and Stade de Reims at Groupama Stadium on December 1, 2021 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
LYON, FRANCE – DECEMBER 01: Hugo Ekitike of Reims celebrates his goal during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Olympique Lyon and Stade de Reims at Groupama Stadium on December 1, 2021 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Caillot confirmed he wants £24.9m (€30m) plus £8.3m (€10m) in ‘realisable bonuses.’ Multiple media outlets have reported that a £25m bid has been entered for the striker, who has been scouted by Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leicester City.

David Moyes is very much in the market to bring another striker to East London – the only senior option in the squad being Michail Antonio. Antonio is also a player with injury problems, and during some points this season, Jarrod Bowen has had to deputise as a number 9. Furthermore, the Jamaican suffered an eight-game goal drought in the Premier League mid-season.

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