Report: West Ham could pay £17m for Clermont striker Mohamed Bayo

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According to reports from France, West Ham are back in the mix to sign Clermont striker Mohamed Bayo, and could pay up to £17m to land the impressive Guinea star.

Le10 Sport makes the claim. They report that the Hammers are not put off by the £17m asking price for Bayo, and, crucially, they could even be willing to loan him back to Clermont for the rest of the season. The French club are desperate to keep their man, given he’s scored eight in 16 already this season.

This is not the first time West Ham have had their eyes on Bayo. Back in September, it was reported the Hammers could pay around £10m for the striker. But his form this season seems to have seen his value increase.

But a £17m fee will not put West Ham or other Premier League clubs off. The Hammers are chasing Europe, and David Moyes is known to be desperate to strengthen his ranks in January.

Of course, adding Bayo and sending him back to Clermont might not make sense. But if that’s what it takes to get this deal over the line, it might be a case of have to just do it.

TBR’s View: West Ham Need A Striker In January, Not The Summer

While Bayo would be a smart addition to the Hammers squad, surely the point is to add in January and push on for the European spots? Spending £17m, to simply send Bayo back to Clermont, would make little sense.

On paper, this is a good signing for the Hammers in the long-term. Bayo is still only 23, seems to be improving all the time, and clearly knows where the net is.

If ever there was a season for West Ham to press on into Europe, then this is it. Maybe, then, they revisit Mohamed Bayo in the summer and land someone else in January.