West Ham are considering a move for Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to talkSPORT.

The Hammers are said to be looking at potential replacements for Lucas Paqueta, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester City in recent months.

It is believed that the Brazilian international has an £85m release clause in his contract so West Ham are keen to have his successor lined up.

TalkSPORT claim that Gibbs-White is deemed a realistic target with Forest expected to be “forced” into selling key assets due to fears of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

How much will Gibbs-White cost?

Forest paid Wolves £42.5m (including bonuses) for the midfielder at the start of last season but, despite being under pressure to sell, they will not sanction his departure for a loss.

Reports suggest that Gibbs-White’s asking price would be around £50m. That fee may not be an issue for West Ham if they do receive a sizeable bid from City for Paqueta.

Will West Ham have rivals for the midfielder?

TalkSPORT have reported that Tottenham are also “keeping tabs” on Gibbs-White but other media outlets have mentioned their North London rivals Arsenal as potential suitors as well.

With that being the case, it seems unlikely that Forest would consider offers below their stated valuation. Things could still change between now and the summer transfer window but it appears West Ham will have a big task on their hands securing Gibbs-White’s services.

Alternatives could be explored. The likes of Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe, Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves and even Manchester United’s Scott McTominay have been suggested. However, all would probably cost around the same price as Gibbs-White. It will be up to manager David Moyes or his successor to decide who the no.1 target should be.