West Ham United are reportedly pursuing a deal for Jonathan Bamba.
According to The Sun, West Ham United are interested in signing Saint-Etienne forward Jonathan Bamba this summer – but Newcastle United must now respond.
The Hammers are still in the market for attacking reinforcements even after landing Jordan Hugill from Preston North End on transfer deadline day last month, and Bamba appears to be a target.
The 21-year-old has hit six goals in 22 games for Saint-Etienne this season, become a first-team regular this season after prior loan spells with Paris FC, Sint-Truiden and Angers.
Yet, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Premier League clubs appear to be sensing a bargain, and West Ham are allegedly hoping to tie up a pre-contract agreement for Bamba before the summer.
However, if West Ham are to meet competition from any Premier League rival, it should be Newcastle United, who were pursuing his signature last summer according to a report from Foot Mercato in France.
Bamba has major versatility given that he has played right across the front line this season, and with Newcastle still seeking an impact player in attack, Bamba’s ability to play in a number of positions should be hugely appealing.
Add in that he would be available for a small compensation fee when his contract ends, and he would fit well inside Newcastle’s currently-limited budget under Mike Ashley, given Benitez a low-cost addition to his attack.
With West Ham allegedly making their move, Newcastle would have to move quickly to land Bamba, but his performances this season suggest he is worth returning for this summer.
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