Chelsea could be set to hijack West Ham United’s move for PAOK’s Stefanos Tzimas, according to a report from Metro. 

West Ham are reportedly admirers of 19-year-old striker Stefanos Tzimas who is currently impressing on loan at German second tier side 1. FC Nürnberg. The youngster has been described as a ‘promising centre-forward, with physical qualities and strength as well as intelligence, a good technique and an eye for goal.’ This is why he has been linked with moves to some of the top Premier League clubs – including Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Tzimas has bagged 9 goals and provided 2 assists in 15 Bundesliga 2 appearances so far this season, putting him on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. However, to West Ham and new manager Graham Potter’s frustration, his former side Chelsea appear to have moved ahead in the race to land Tzimas’s signature, according to BILD.

Previous reports suggested that Nürnberg were going to trigger £15m purchase option for Tzimas before immediately selling him to West Ham for £16.6m (20m euros) to make a quick profit. But he news of Chelsea emerging as candidates for his signature could mean West Ham may need to look at other options.

However, this could also be a blessing in disguise for the Hammers. While fans wants us to make more younger and promising signings, like Tzimas would be, and like Potter did at Brighton very successfully. If we want to turn this season around, it might be better to get someone that is more likely to hit the ground running.

The club has been linked to Evan Ferguson of Brighton who Potter has worked with before and Jonathan David who has consistently scored goals in France for years. If able to acquire on permanent deals, both would likely be better options than Tzimas this winter.  However, I think the majority of players would rather see Tzimas signed rather than a player like Andre Silva.