West Ham are among seven clubs who have “sounded out” Sunderland about loaning winger Jocelin Ta Bi, according to reports in France.

Foot Mercato claim that the Hammers, Hull City, Burnley, Lyon, Lorient, Le Havre and Nice have all registered their interest in the Ivorian.

Ta Bi only moved to the Stadium of Light during the January transfer window from Israeli club Maccabi Netanya for €3.5m.

However, the 21-year-old only made two appearances for the Black Cats due to an ankle injury he sustained before his arrival in the North East. He is fit now, though, and clubs are circling to offer him regular first-team football.

Why are West Ham interested in the forward?

Despite the arrival of Manor Solomon from Tottenham, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has limited options in wide areas.

Ta Bi is a left-footed right winger, so he would probably be brought in to provide cover for captain Jarrod Bowen.

Sunderland might have concerns about the number of minutes the player would get in his favoured position if he does make the switch to the London Stadium, and that could potentially hand an advantage to West Ham’s rivals.

Ta Bi is not the only winger being targeted

The Irons have been in talks to sign Reiss Nelson from Arsenal on a permanent basis. The transfer fee is not expected to be an issue, with the Gunners willing to offload him for just £3m due to the player’s contract situation. His current deal expires next June.

Finding an agreement on personal terms is said to be more problematic, with Nelson currently taking home around £100,000 a week. He is also reportedly seeking a payoff from Arsenal in order to secure his exit from the club.

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