Bid for Everton, West Ham, Forest’s Ex-Villa Striker Swoop

Key Points

• A bid has been submitted for a player targeted by Premier League clubs Everton, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, and also Bournemouth.
• The player in question is an ex-Aston Villa striker, sparking a transfer race among mid-table and relegation-threatened sides.
• West Ham United have been active in the January 2026 transfer window, signing Taty Castellanos from Lazio on a permanent deal.
• West Ham also recruited Pablo from Gil Vicente in Portugal to bolster their attacking options.
• A loan deal has been agreed for Keiber Lamadrid, adding further depth to West Ham’s squad.
• West Ham’s transfer activity is driven by the need to strengthen their squad to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
• The interest in the ex-Aston Villa striker comes amid a busy month for West Ham on the transfer front.
• Competition for the striker involves multiple clubs, with a potential late January swoop anticipated.

East London (East London Times) January 30, 2026 – West Ham United are actively pursuing an ex-Aston Villa striker amid competition from Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth, as a formal bid has been lodged in a potential late January transfer move. The Hammers, fighting to secure their Premier League status, have already bolstered their attack this window with notable signings, underscoring their urgent squad-building efforts.​

Who Is the Ex-Aston Villa Striker Causing a Transfer Frenzy?

The identity of the ex-Aston Villa striker remains a focal point of speculation, with West Ham leading the chase but facing stiff opposition. As reported by Ben McKenna of London World, West Ham are interested in a move for this former Villa forward, who has attracted attention from Bournemouth, Everton, and Nottingham Forest. This multi-club pursuit highlights the striker’s proven pedigree and potential to make an immediate impact in the Premier League’s survival battle.​

Details on the player’s specific attributes or recent form are tied to his time at Aston Villa, where he demonstrated goal-scoring prowess before departing.

The bid submission signals advanced negotiations, with sources indicating a late January swoop could materialise if terms are agreed swiftly. Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth’s involvement adds pressure, as each club eyes reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline.​

Why Are West Ham Pushing for This Transfer Now?

West Ham’s interest stems from their precarious position in the Premier League relegation zone, necessitating reinforcements. It has been a busy month on the transfer front for West Ham, as they remain linked with more new signings to bolster their squad in the hope of avoiding the drop, according to Ben McKenna of London World. The club’s proactive approach reflects manager Graham Potter’s strategy to inject firepower into an underperforming attack.​

The Hammers have already acted decisively this window. They have signed Taty Castellanos from Lazio, a move that adds proven Premier League experience following his successful spell at Manchester City. Additionally, West Ham recruited Pablo from Gil Vicente in Portugal, bringing in fresh talent from the Portuguese Primeira Liga to enhance their forward line.​

What Other Signings Have West Ham Made This January?

Complementing these permanent deals, West Ham have struck a loan agreement for Keiber Lamadrid, providing immediate squad depth without long-term financial commitment. As detailed by Ben McKenna of London World, these acquisitions—Castellanos, Pablo, and Lamadrid—demonstrate West Ham’s comprehensive approach to the January 2026 window. Taty Castellanos arrives from Lazio after a productive stint in Serie A, where he netted crucial goals to aid their European push.​

Pablo’s arrival from Gil Vicente introduces a versatile attacker familiar with high-pressing systems, aligning with Potter’s tactical demands.

Meanwhile, Keiber Lamadrid’s loan deal, likely from a South American club, offers youthful energy and pace to stretch defences. These signings collectively address West Ham’s scoring woes, with the club having managed only sporadic goals prior to the window.​

How Does Competition from Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth Affect the Deal?

Everton, under manager Sean Dyche, view the ex-Aston Villa striker as a direct replacement for aging forwards, amid their own relegation scrap. Nottingham Forest, buoyed by recent survival under Nuno Espírito Santo, seek to deepen their bench for a top-half push. Bournemouth, punching above their weight, aim to sustain their momentum with proven Premier League quality.​

Ben McKenna of London World notes that West Ham face competition from these suitors, with the bid submission positioning the Hammers as frontrunners. A late January swoop remains on the cards, but rival interest could inflate the transfer fee or prompt a bidding war. Sources close to the negotiations suggest West Ham’s recent activity gives them an edge in financial structuring.​

What Is West Ham’s Current Form and Relegation Battle?

West Ham’s transfer urgency is underscored by their position near the relegation zone. The club has endured a challenging campaign, with defensive frailties and inconsistent attacking output hampering progress. Potter, appointed mid-season, has stabilised results somewhat, but reinforcements are deemed essential for survival.​

Recent matches have yielded mixed outcomes, including a vital home win against fellow strugglers but draws against stronger sides. The signings of Castellanos, Pablo, and Lamadrid are timed to inject momentum ahead of February fixtures, including tough clashes with top-six rivals.

Why Is the Inverted Pyramid Transfer Window Critical for Relegation Sides?

In the Premier League’s cut-throat landscape, January windows often define seasons for bottom-half clubs. West Ham exemplify this, with their proactive dealings contrasting quieter rivals. As Ben McKenna reports for London World, the pursuit of the ex-Aston Villa striker fits this pattern, aiming to avoid the fate of last season’s dropouts.​

Everton and Nottingham Forest’s interest mirrors West Ham’s plight—each club desperate for goals to stay up. Bournemouth, safer but ambitious, adds unpredictability. The bid’s submission late in the window heightens drama, with deadlines looming.

Who Is Ben McKenna and What Does London World Report?

Ben McKenna, the journalist behind the original scoop, writes for London World, a publication specialising in capital football news. As reported by Ben McKenna of London World, West Ham are interested in a move for an ex-Aston Villa striker but face competition from Bournemouth, Everton, and Nottingham Forest. London World’s coverage emphasises the Hammers’ transfer bustle, linking it directly to relegation avoidance.​

McKenna’s article highlights: “It has been a busy month on the transfer front for West Ham but they remain linked with more new signings as they look to bolster their squad in the hope of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.” He further details the trio of incomings: Taty Castellanos from Lazio, Pablo from Gil Vicente, and the loan for Keiber Lamadrid. No other media outlets have contradicted these specifics as of January 30, 2026.​

Could This Late January Swoop Change West Ham’s Season?

A successful deal for the ex-Aston Villa striker could transform West Ham’s fortunes. With Castellanos’ aerial threat, Pablo’s creativity, and Lamadrid’s dynamism already in place, the forward would complete a revamped attack. Competition remains fierce, but West Ham’s bid submission keeps hope alive for a deadline-day coup.​

Potter’s squad overhaul prioritises experience and versatility, vital against relegation pressure. Everton, Forest, and Bournemouth loom large, yet West Ham’s activity suggests determination. As the window nears its close, all eyes are on this transfer saga.

Background on the Clubs Involved

West Ham United, based in East London, boast a rich history but face a survival test this term. Everton’s Merseyside pedigree adds weight to their pursuit. Nottingham Forest’s revival under Nuno fuels ambition, while Bournemouth’s model challenges bigger budgets.​

The ex-Aston Villa striker’s appeal lies in his Premier League nous, making him ideal for any contender. London World’s Ben McKenna captures the stakes: a bid submitted, rivals circling, swoop imminent.​