Nottingham Forest insist Super Eagles star is not for sale amidst interest from PL club

Nottingham Forest insist Super Eagles star is not for sale amidst interest from PL club

Hassan Abdulsalam 08:15 - 14.01.2025

The Nigerian international  has attracted interest from different clubs including West Ham

Nottingham Forest have reportedly resisted offers for Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has attracted interest from several clubs, including West Ham United.

Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel said Forest is keen to retain Awoniyi and that the decision would provide a welcome financial injection for the club.

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Awoniyi preaches grace after goal for Nottingham Forest against West Ham

European ambitions and squad stability

Nottingham Forest is aiming to qualify for Europe this season. They prioritise squad stability and are therefore reluctant to let go of Awoniyi, especially in mid-season.

Losing the Nigerian striker would necessitate a search for a replacement, potentially disrupting their ambitions.

West Ham's striker crisis intensifies interest

West Ham's need for a striker has become more urgent due to injuries to key players. 

Nuno Espirito Santo has preferred Chris Wood to Taiwo Awoniyi at centre-forward (Credit: Imago)

Michael Antonio is ruled out for the remainder of the season with a leg injury, while Nikolas Fullkrug is facing a potentially extended period on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.

The injury crisis has intensified West Ham's pursuit of Nottingham Forest striker Awoniyi.  

Taiwo Awoniyi is reportedly eager for a move to secure more regular playing time. This season, he has only made two Premier League starts and two appearances in other cup competitions.

Limited opportunities at Forest could jeopardise his place in the Super Eagles squad, especially with the appointment of new coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle may favour players in top form, such as Toluwalase Arokodare, who is currently impressing at Genk.

Taiwo Awoniyi | Imago

With just three weeks remaining in the January transfer window, West Ham and other interested clubs are expected to increase their efforts to sign Awoniyi.

They will be looking to finalise a deal for the Nigerian striker before the deadline.

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