'Bid made' - West Ham look to beat Everton to 'outstanding' £13m Chelsea star

West Ham have made a bid for Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana as Julen Lopetegui pushes to add firepower to his side ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Bringing in a striker had always been a priority for the London club this summer and news of serious Newcastle United intent to bid for £100 million man Jarrod Bowen will have added to that - although the Hammers are determined to keep the England international at the London Stadium.

West Ham have been linked with moves for Jhon Duran, Youssef En-Nesyri and Callum Wilson in recent days but, according to AfricaFoot, it's Chelsea man Fofana who could be the first through the door. The outlet reports that Lopetegui's side have made a  €15 million bid for the player, equivalent to around £13 million.

Fofana spent last season on loan at Union Berlin and Burnley, scoring six goals in all competitions. Four of those did come in the Premier League despite Vincent Kompany's men struggling in the top flight, as Fofana registered against the Hammers, Brentford and twice against Fulham.

AfricaFoot reports: "David Datro Fofana has returned to Chelsea this summer but is future with the Blues is uncertain. Two Premier League clubs would like to sign the Ivorian attacker, who is 21 years old.

"West Ham have made a €15 million bid to sign the player from Chelsea, Meanwhile, Everton have been in contact with the Ivorian's agents in order to sign him."

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Fofana joined Chelsea from Molde in January 2023 but has made just four first team appearances since then. It appears unlikely that he is in Enzo Maresca's immediate first team plans and could be sold to bring profit at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking about the player in March, former Burnley manager Kompany said: "It seems like he's growing into the season and into the team as well. We will need performances like the performance he gave against West Ham. He was outstanding.

"The entire performance from Fofana was outstanding and we've needed it. Hopefully, he can continue like that from now until the end of the season. These are the players who will help us."