Transfer confusion trails West Ham-linked Super Eagles star

The Nigeria international was missing in action for Les Merlus at the weekend as speculations of his impending switch to England gather pace

There is a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the transfer status of Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi even as the forward edge closer to ending his stay at FC Lorient in France.

One of the most prolific strikers in Ligue 1 this term, Terem Moffi has been the subject of interest from several clubs from France and England.

OGC Nice, Southampton, and West Ham have had multiple bids rejected by Lorient for the 23-year-old while Lyon only recently joined the race for his signature.

Moffi was excluded from the Lorient squad that played against Bastia on Saturday even as the club’s head coach Régis Le Bris admitted that the Nigeria international has been left disturbed by the transfer reports.

Many believed that Moffi did not miss the match because of illness as Lorient announced but that he was probably closer to signing for a new club.

What is Lorient’s stand?

But in his post-match press conference on Saturday, Régis Le Bris stated that Moffi was still with Les Merlus and that the former Kortrijk star will return to the fold for the clash against Rennes on Friday, January 27.

“There is a reality, there is this little virus, and it is a somewhat disturbing period for him,” Le Bris told L’Equipe.

“But I think he will be back for Rennes and that he will resume training at the start of the week.”

Corroborating the head coach, the president of FC Lorient, Loïc Féry stated that the club will only allow one big player to leave this winter. Three days ago, Lorient sold Dango Ouattara to Bournemouth for £20 million.

As per Onze Mondial, Loïc Féry seemingly ruled out a Moffi departure when he said, “With the attractiveness of the sports project and the convincing speech of the coach, we can influence these desires and try to retain our talents as we have often done in recent years when it was possible, and as we are currently doing to try to limit to a single major departure over the winter.”

Is a move to West Ham done?

But a report from France, as per Yahoo Sports, claims that West Ham and Lorient have agreed on a £21 million deal for Terem Moffi.

The report even states that Moffi has inked a three-year deal that will keep him with the Hammers until 2026.

The exciting left-footed striker has been on fire for Lorient this season, scoring 12 times in 18 Ligue 1 appearances so far.