Bournemouth are considering bringing in Eli Junior Kroupi from sister club Lorient before Monday and have held talks, TBR Football understands, although West Ham are also in the mix.
Forward Kroupi has been in sensational form for Lorient this season, netting 10 times in just 19 games for the French outfit.
Still just 18, Kroupi is very much on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs but it is Bournemouth, with their connection to Lorient, who have made a move.
However, TBR Football can reveal that while Bournemouth are leading contenders, West Ham are there too.
West Ham and Bournemouth bidding to sign Eli Junior Kroupi
Kroupi’s form is attracting admiring glances from a number of English sides but TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Bournemouth are considering bringing him to England before the deadline.
The Cherries are flying under Andoni Iraola but feel they can improve further and Kroupi’s talent and goals could help them further.
However, TBR can also reveal that West Ham have had talks via intermediaries but as yet neither club have progressed with talks.
Furthermore, Lorient do not want to lose their prized asset given they are going for promotion from Ligue 2.
West Ham are keen to add new players for Graham Potter this month but so far, they have been thwarted.
TBR exclusively revealed that the Hammers like Carney Chukwuemeka but as also revealed by TBR, Chukwuemeka has an offer from Dortmund on the table as well.
As is usually the case with West Ham in recent times, it seems they face a scramble for new faces and on this occasion, could even miss out on Kroupi to Bournemouth anyway.