Judging by the weekend’s results, Mario Balotelli isn’t Nice’s new hero, Alassane Pléa is.
The 23-year-old forward had a cracking week, scoring four goals in two appearances, including a hat-trick at the weekend against FC Metz in a 4-2 win.
The tally takes him to seven goals in 13 appearances this season, which puts him above Nice’s former top scorer for the season, Balotelli.
Over the summer, West Ham were keeping an eye on Alassane Pléa’s development, and with striker issues still a major cause of concern at the London club, eyes could once again turn to the south of France in search of a consistent goalscorer.
The Hammers were keen on bringing a new forward to unveil at their new London stadium, but failed attempts across Europe saw them loan in Jonathan Calleri and Simone Zaza instead, two players who are yet to score for them this season.
Regarding West Ham’s interest, the player’s agent told Sport Witness back in June that a chat with new manager was needed before talking about the player’s future.
However, considering Lucien Favre thinks Pléa has ‘extraordinary potential’, an exit doesn’t appear to be on the cards.
L’Equipe reveal Pléa has a €40m release clause in his contract, but with less than two years left on his current deal, few would be willing to meet that.
That is unless he keeps up his current form. Then who knows who might start lining up?
