West Ham transfer on 'one of the top talents in Europe' opens door to £15m Hammers switch

Yesterday at 08:45 AM

West Ham United’s issues in the centre-forward department are pretty well documented, with Niclas Fullkrug the latest to forget his lines on the Premier League stage.

Even before an injury which has kept the Germany international out of action in recent times, last summer’s £27 million signing from Borussia Dortmund looked like a man struggling to adapt to the pace of English football.

Niclas Fullkrug admits that he’s had a ‘really bad start’ at West Ham himself.

Now, he is not the first, of course, to find such a transition difficult. But given West Ham’s rather brutal track record when it comes to signing number nines who would fail to live up to expectations, there is a nasty feeling of deja vu surrounding Fullkrug’s horrendous first few months at the London Stadium.

So Stefanos Tzimas, if he knows his history, might have reservations about choosing the Hammers over his admirers in Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1.

TBR understands that Nurnburg sensation Tzimas has caught West Ham’s eye during a flying start to life in Germany. The towering teenager has six goals in just six Bundesliga.2 starts, his latest coming during a 3-2 defeat to Paderborn on Friday night.

West Ham United given hope by Stefanos Tzimas

By his own admission, meanwhile, Tzimas has an eye on a future in English football.

And that will give West Ham some belief that there might be a deal to be done for a much-admired Greece Under 21 international.

“I try to do my best every day and do my part to ensure a successful season,” Tzimas tells Bild. “We’ll see what happens in the summer.

“[I want] to play in the Premier League at some point. But there is still a lot to do until then, and at the moment I am in the right place at the club for my personal development.”

Tzimas is actually on loan at Nurnburg from Greek champions PAOK.

Officially the youngest goalscorer in their history, PAOK are demanding around £15 million from any club looking to sign the 18-year-old on a permanent basis. That is the amount Nurnburg would have to pay, owing to the purchase clause in Tzimas’ contract.

And Joti Chatzialexiou, the club’s sporting director, admits that such a fee may be beyond Nurnburg even if promotion can be achieved this term.

“We need a lot, a lot of creativity [to sign Tzimas permanently],” Chatzialexiou admits. “The sum is horrendous.

“At his age, Stefanos is one of the top talents in Europe. And, in terms of stature, he is not really a player who would sign with FCN [normally].”

Julen Lopetegui rules Niclas Fullkrug out of Newcastle trip

With pressure still heavy on Julen Lopetegui’s shoulders – TBR understands that former Borussia Dortmund boss and one-time London Stadium assistant Edin Terzic is West Ham’s number one pick when it comes to potential replacements – a win away at Champions League-chasing Newcastle United on Monday night would come at a very good time.

Lopetegui confirmed in his pre-match presser, however, that two as-yet unnamed West Ham players are facing a race against time to be involved at St James’ Park. Fullkrug is also unavailable, his most recent appearance coming in August.

"We've had a little problem with two players, but we have to check tomorrow", the Spaniard sighs. "I hope they'll be ready for Monday."

"Niclas Fullkrug is improving, but he's not ready yet."

TBR understands that West Ham are looking at ex-Porto boss Sergio Conceicao too.