West Ham talks with Nottingham Forest take big twist as two deals clarified

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West Ham are in talks with Nottingham Forest about striker Taiwo Awoniyi but things have taken a big twist this evening.

David Sullivan is back in control of West Ham’s transfers.

And it shows with the January transfer window rumour mill now in overdrive for the Hammers.

Nottingham Forest are also being heavily linked with several deals.

Both the Hammers and Tricky Trees have very different reasons for needing to make signings this month.

West Ham are looking to bring in a striker and midfielder to help new boss Graham Potter turn their dismal season around.

Nottingham Forest meanwhile are looking to make the most of what could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to at least seal a shock Champions League spot.

Lines of communication between Forest and the Hammers are already established.

As the Hammers put the finishing touches to an exciting window by making nine signings worth over £155m, they sent James Ward-Prowse out on loan to Nottingham Forest.

It is fair to say the results have been pretty disastrous for all concerned, though.

Ward-Prowse, contributed 18 goals and assists for West Ham last season after joining in a £30m deal.

West Ham talks with Forest take big twist as two deals clarified

But he has barely played for Nottingham Forest as they sit level on points with second-placed Arsenal past the halfway stage.

Meanwhile West Ham are desperately searching for a striker and midfielder in the window.

Because the season could not have gone much worse for the Hammers.

Julen Lopetegui has paid the price with his job and been replaced by Graham Potter.

That has led to speculation the new man may want to recall Ward-Prowse from Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile the Hammers’ striker search has taken them back to the City Ground.

And West Ham talks with Nottingham Forest have taken a big twist as two deals are clarified.

In his pre-match press conference for Fulham, Potter was asked whether he wanted to and could recall Ward-Prowse.

Ward-Prowse cannot return to West Ham

Now Hammers News can once again clarify the situation regarding Ward-Prowse.

When rumours that Ward-Prowse could be recalled by West Ham were doing the rounds earlier this month, Hammers News has reached out to the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners about the situation.

“James Ward-Prowse can’t return under contract,” a West Ham spokesman told Hammers News.

Despite that, idle speculation has persisted in the wider football media and among some fans.

But that is the very clear cut situation from the highest possible source at West Ham and remains the case. So talk of a Ward-Prowse return can be put to bed.

It should also be noted that West Ham are looking for energy, power and mobility in midfield – which are not Ward-Prowse’s strengths.

West Ham have been speaking to Forest about their striker Taiwo Awoniyi, though.

Hammers discuss all angles for Forest’s Awoniyi

At the weekend, the club’s owners told Hammers News they are working flat out to sign a new striker as soon as possible.

West Ham have ruled out January moves for Evan Ferguson and Jonathan David.

But they did make a bid for Forest’s Awoniyi.

The initial approach was a loan deal with both option and obligation to buy clauses.

Hammers News understands a permanent deal has also been discussed between Forest and the Irons.

Forest have set a fee of around £20m for the 27-year-old.

It is not believed Nottingham Forest have any desire to make Ward-Prowse’s loan permanent.

So he cannot be used as a makeweight to keep the cost down.

Another complication in any deal for Awoniyi is that Forest want to sign a replacement before letting the Nigerian go.

Whether West Ham would be wise to go out and sign another injury-prone striker to replace their current injury-prone striker is another matter.