According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are interested in signing Rhys Healey if they cannot land Hugo Ekitike.
What’s the story?
Well, West Ham are scouring France for a striker to bring back to the Premier League, and they’ve identified two interesting names.
Ekitike has been in the spotlight recently after scoring eight goals in just 11 Ligue 1 starts, earning him comparisons to Kylian Mbappe.
However, his alternative – Healey – is lesser known.
Sheth claims that West Ham want the 27-year-old to increase their squad depth in attack, and it would be quite the story if David Moyes signed him.
Healey started his career at Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads before joining Cardiff, where he struggled with the Bluebirds.
The Manchester-born forward then experienced uneventful spells in England’s lower leagues at the likes of Colchester, Newport County, Torquay and MK Dons.
However, Healey has found his feet in Toulouse, where he is one of the most prolific strikers in Ligue 2 – France’s second division.
So far this season, the Toulouse No.9 has scored 15 goals in 25 games.
West Ham could have the next Jamie Vardy in Rhys Healey
Another man who learned his trade in the lower echelons of English football is Jamie Vardy.
The 35-year-old is now an all-time Premier League great, having picked up one title while scoring 127 Premier League goals.
According to some, Healey is similar to the Leicester frontman.
It was Total Football Analysis who wrote a lengthy scouting report on the Toulouse talisman, where they likened his playing style – and his journey – to Vardy.
A striker from France’s second division probably isn’t what West Ham fans were hoping for.
However, just look at how many successful signings the Hammers have made from England’s second tier, such as Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen.
If Healey can supply even 50% of what those two bring to West Ham, then Moyes should definitely take a gamble on him.
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