Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool tussles with Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. (Photo credit: Imago)
English Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest are eyeing Congolese striker Yoanne Wissa as a possible replacement for Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi if he leaves for West Ham, Soccernet.ng reports.
Awoniyi’s future has been questioned in recent months since he lost his starting shirt at Nottingham Forest to New Zealand striker Chris Wood. The Nigerian striker has struggled with injuries since joining the Tricky Trees three seasons ago, allowing Wood to take over his position.
Awoniyi has been restricted to 16 appearances in the Premier League this season, but just two of those were starts. The 27-year-old striker scored his first goal of the season this month in a 3-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Due to his lack of game time, there have been talks that the Nigerian could leave City Ground this January. Premier League side West Ham has emerged as a possible destination, as they are searching for a prolific goalscorer to aid their resurgence after a poor start to the campaign.
Nottingham Forest appear willing to let the Nigerian striker leave if they can get a decent offer. The Tricky Trees are also moving to get a replacement just in case Awoniyi leaves.
According to Forest Transfer Hub, the club wants to sign Congolese striker Wissa from Brentford to add some bite to their attack. Wissa has been prolific for Brentford this season, contributing 11 goals and two assists in the Premier League.
This is not the first time Nottingham Forest has been linked to Wissa, though. They were linked last summer, but Brentford was adamant about letting him leave. This time, however, Wissa could be tempted to make the move due to Nottingham Forest’s impressive form this season.
Nonetheless, the deal is dependent on Awoniyi’s decision. If he decides to stay at Nottingham Forest, it is unlikely that they will push for the Wissa move. But if Awoniyi’s game time does not increase by the end of the campaign, he may opt for a new club.