Clermont striker Mohamed Bayo has his heart set on a summer move with Premier League outfit West Ham United reportedly ready to offer £17 million, speaking to RMC Sport.
Not content with firing the smallest club in Ligue 1 to promotion for the first time in their history a year ago, Bayo ensured that the Clermont fairytale would have a Disney-esque ending too.
Scoring 14 times in his maiden campaign in the big time, the Guyana international is perhaps the biggest reason why Les Lanciers will be going head-to-head with Kylian Mbappe and co yet again in 2022/23, finishing four points above the relegation zone.
It seems that Clermont will have to battle on without their homegrown hero, however, with Bayo expected to ride off triumphantly into the sunset after scoring.
“I want to progress,” the 23-year-old says. “I think I have to take a step (forward).
“For now, I’m here and we’ll see. In any case, it is logical, after my season, that I want to see if there is a better project (elsewhere).”
Brighton and West Ham want Mohamed Bayo
Bayo, who stands at 6ft 2ins and has compared himself to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, insists that he is not ‘close’ to joining a new club as things stand, adding that he is yet to speak to his agent regarding his summer plans.
“I’m close to nothing,” Bayo adds. “(Staying in) Ligue 1 can be good. But if there is an offer elsewhere…”
According to Le10 Sport, Clermont informed West Ham United that Bayo would not be going anywhere for a penny less than £17 million.
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A fee that, while on the hefty side for a striker with one top-flight season under his belt, does not appear to have put off a Hammers side who are once again prioritising a new number nine.
The Sun reported late last year that Brighton and Hove Albion are also big fans of Bayo.
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