Taiwo Awoniyi's future at Nottingham Forest takes a turn as West Ham make new move - journalist
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Taiwo Awoniyi’s future has been up in the air throughout the January transfer window, with West Ham’s latest move posing a potential problem.
West Ham are interested in Awoniyi and look to be making moves to secure the Nigerian in January, who has been the sole victim of Chris Wood’s imperious form up front for Forest.
Awoniyi did score in Forest’s win over Wolves, with Wood praising Awoniyi’s work in training while he has remained absent from the starting XI.
He’s only started twice this season for Nuno Espirito Santo, but Forest do want to keep Awoniyi in the window so a significant bid would need to come in to tempt Evangelos Marinakis.
However, such a significant bid seems unlikely from West Ham especially, after hearing the latest update on the London side’s striker search.
West Ham turn their attention away from Taiwo Awoniyi
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, West Ham have moved away from their interest in Awoniyi given his supposed importance to the Forest squad.
West Ham have begun to target Rodrigo Muniz, with a potential loan with a buy option discussed with fellow London rivals, Fulham.
After the Hammers appointed Graham Potter, Alex Crook predicted West Ham would move for Awoniyi, but their interest in Muniz should all but end that particular rumour.
The Forest manager will be happy about this development, but Awoniyi remaining at Forest will have a serious knock-on effect on the club’s own potential signings.
Taiwo Awoniyi staying will change Forest’s transfer plans
Forest were linked with Yoane Wissa as a potential option in the event that Awoniyi would leave the City Ground but deals such as Wissa seem very unlikely if Awoniyi is to stay.
Another potential option was Forest’s interest in Petar Musa who would provide a similar physical profile to Awoniyi, but again the funds wouldn’t necessarily be available if the Nigerian striker is to remain backup to Wood.
Therefore, the Forest owner may now look to turn focus back to looking for a wide option as a way to bolster Espirito Santo’s squad.
Marcus Edwards has been linked to Forest in January but his single Portuguese league goal this season so far doesn’t suggest he would add the required extra goals to make the financial outgoing worthwhile.
It’s back to the drawing board then for Marinakis and Espirito Santo, who may need to rethink their plans to add goals to the side with Awoniyi being trusted to continue as the backup striker.
