West Ham United have informed Ligue 1 side Clermont Foot they would like to sign striker Mohamed Bayo during the upcoming January transfer window, according to Le10 Sport.
Bayo has enjoyed a barnstorming start to the season with eight goals across 16 outings so far. He has also provided two assists in the French top-flight for a side 18th in the table.
Clermont have not won a league fixture since a shock 1-0 victory over title-holders Lille on October 16. The result ended a run of seven without a win after week two of the term.
Only Jonathan David (11), Ludovic Ajorque (9), Wissam Ben Yedder (9) and Gaetan Laborde (9) have outscored Bayo so far. Paris Saint-Germain megastars Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi have so far found the net seven, three and once each.
West Ham contact Clermont to discuss Bayo transfer
Clermont extended Bayo’s contract in October in reward for his form, but West Ham are keen on a transfer. The Irons have informed Les Lanciers of their interest and to get further information, with the Stade Gabriel Montpied outfit seeking at least €20m (£17m) to sell.
West Ham did not baulk at Clermont’s valuation, or their suggestion of Bayo returning on a six-month loan transfer. Les Lanciers want the 23-year-old to see out the rest of the Ligue 1 season as they fight relegation, with his goal contribution of 42% the league’s second-most.
Clermont are in a compromised position to retain Bayo, despite his new contract running to 2024. As part of the deal, they agreed not to stand in his way in the event of a ‘great’ bid.
Moyes to revive failed Irons pursuit of Bayo?
West Ham have previously explored a transfer for Clermont star Bayo. The Sun reported in November that the Irons actually bid £7m for the five-cap Guinea striker last year.
The offer failed and Bayo has no regrets over staying at the Stade Gabriel Montpied, either.
“The prospect of having chances, opportunities to score goals, that made me think,” Bayo told Ligue1.fr earlier this month.
“I know the club, I know my teammates. That played [a part] in my thinking, that’s for sure. For the moment, yes [signing a new contract with Clermont] is clearly a good choice.”
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