- West Ham have joined the race to sign highly-rated Eli Junior Kroupi from Lorient
- They face competition from Premier League rivals to land the 18-year-old star
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West Ham have made an offer worth up to £30million for highly-rated Lorient forward Eli Junior Kroupi.
The youngster is enjoying a breakout year in the French second division with nine goals and two assists in 18 matches this season.
Spearheaded by the France Under 19 international, Lorient lead the league standings just beyond the halfway stage of the campaign.
Kroupi is considered to be one of the brightest talents coming out of France, having broken into the Lorient first team at the age of 16.
Bournemouth have also been in advanced negotiations for the 18-year old over the past few days which had included discussions to loan him back.
As well as this, Chelsea, Tottenham and RB Leipzig have all made enquiries in recent weeks.
Eli Junior Kroupi, 18, is enjoying a breakout year with French second division side Lorient
West Ham have bid £30million for the forward, as they lack attacking depth in their squad
Bournemouth have also held advanced negotiations to sign the France Under 19 international
The forward has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Lorient. His total for the club stands at 14 goals and five assists in 50 matches.
West Ham need a replacement for the injured Michail Antonio, who broke his leg in a heart-breaking car accident at the end of last year.
Danny Ings has sporadically featured upfront for Graham Potter’s side, while Mohammed Kudus has also filled in on a more regular basis.
The Hammers have netted just 28 goals in the Premier League this season – the sixth-fewest – and are in desperate need of more attacking firepower.
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