“West Ham’s SHOCKING Striker Steal: Star’s Price Slashes by a JAW-DROPPING £7M Overnight!”

Although reports from France suggest that negotiations between West Ham United and St Etienne for Lucas Stassin are already underway, Hammers News has learned from a source close to the East London club that no formal talks have actually begun.

However, that situation could quickly change once newly appointed manager Graham Potter has a transfer budget available.

Securing a new centre-forward has become a key priority for West Ham this summer. The club has encountered multiple setbacks in their search so far.

Their pursuit of Emanuel Emegha seems to have ended, with the striker now poised to sign for Chelsea.

Similarly, Galatasaray are unwilling to part with Baris Alper Yilmaz, Igor Jesus of Brazil appears set for a move to Nottingham Forest, and Yuri Alberto is committed to remaining at Corinthians.

As a result of these developments, West Ham have recently turned their attention to Lucas Stassin, a promising young Belgian forward currently at St Etienne. Over the last few days, interest in Stassin has grown rapidly.

Now, for the first time, some clarity has emerged regarding St Etienne’s asking price for the 19-year-old.

Initially, the French club had hoped to receive around £25 million, but following their relegation from Ligue 1, they have reportedly lowered their expectations.

Offers in the region of £18 million may now be sufficient to tempt them into selling.

Stassin is not only on West Ham’s radar. He is also attracting attention from across Europe, with clubs such as Rennes, Marseille, Lille, RB Leipzig, and Wolverhampton Wanderers all reportedly monitoring his situation.

Even Sporting Lisbon, fresh from winning the Portuguese league title, are now said to be interested.

With striker Viktor Gyokeres possibly heading to Manchester United to reunite with coach Ruben Amorim, Sporting are believed to be preparing a move for the Belgian as a potential replacement.

According to the Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol, one English club has already opened talks with St Etienne – but that club is not West Ham.

It is believed to be Wolves, who are flush with funds following Matheus Cunha’s transfer to Manchester United, which brought in around £62.5 million.

If it is indeed true that West Ham need to sell before they can buy, Potter and his recruitment team – including trusted lieutenant Kyle Macaulay – may be hoping Wolves don’t secure a deal before they have the flexibility to act.

Stassin himself is confident in his abilities and likens his style to a blend of Romelu Lukaku and Lois Openda.

With a reduced price tag, he could prove a more cost-effective option than Emegha or Alper Yilmaz – provided the bidding doesn’t escalate.

West Ham fans appear intrigued by the Belgian Under-21 star’s potential. St Etienne head coach Eirik Horneland describes him as a “hybrid” between a number nine and a number ten, highlighting his movement, technical link-up play, and ability to operate across the front line.

Despite lacking dominant physicality, Stassin’s intelligent movement and work ethic have helped him thrive in a league known for its strong defenders.