“West Ham United have offered in excess of €20 million for Georgia star Georges Mikautadze, but will face stiff competition from a number of French clubs for his signature,” GiveMeSport reported.

According to the publication, Lyon, Lens and Monaco are all said to be interested in Mikautadze.

“After developing through the Metz academy, Mikautadze earned a €16 million move to Dutch giants Ajax last summer. However, after an unconvincing first six months in the Netherlands, where he failed to score a goal, the Georgian returned to Metz on loan in January.

A prolific second half of the season saw the French outfit trigger the €10 million buy option inserted into the loan deal, and after some electric Euro 2024 performances, the striker is now the subject of widespread interest. Several Ligue 1 clubs are said to be monitoring the player, while West Ham are eyeing him up as a replacement to Michail Antonio.

The Hammers are eager to strengthen their attack this summer, with new manager Julen Lopetegui set to revamp areas of his squad that had become stale under previous boss David Moyes. The east Londoners have identified Mikautadze as a potential solution to goal-scoring issues up front, and have initiated a move by making an offer beyond Metz’ €20 million valuation,” the article reads.