West Ham have been beaten to midfielder Ismael Kone overnight but three other deals now look imminent for the Hammers.
There has been a big blow to West Ham’s transfer plans.
But such is the wide-ranging activity of the Hammers three other important deals now look imminent.
West Ham are trying to sign a central midfielder as part of Julen Lopetegui’s big rebuild.
The Hammers missed out to Bayer Leverkusen for Spaniard Aleix Garcia and are said to be back in the mix for France’s Youssouf Fofana.
It’s little wonder Lopetegui has targeted central midfield as an area to strengthen.
Hammers want new central midfielder
Because the current mix of Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse simply did not fit as a fluid midfield last season.
When Alvarez picked up grade two hamstring injury last week, technical director Tim Steidten immediately turned his attentions to Watford’s Ismael Kone.
The 22-year-old Canada star was said to be available for around £12-15m.
But it was also reported that the likes of Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille were interested.
Overnight West Ham have been beaten to Kone but three other deals now look imminent.
Marseille announced on their official website last night that Kone is joining them and will have his medical next week.
West Ham beaten to Kone but three other deals look imminent
Fabrizio Romano claims the deal is worth just £10.5m – which would have fit West Ham’s tight budget.
Three other important deals now look very much on for West Ham imminently, though.
AS Marca in Turkey claim Southampton are set to sign a new right-back in the shape of Bright Osayi-Samuel.
It is claimed the Saints have offered £6.5m to Fenerbahce for the 27 year-old.
Osayi was involved in a scary incident last season when he knocked out a rival fan who attacked him and his teammates on the pitch.
Saints transfer suggests Walker-Peters is on his way to West Ham
That move can mean only one thing for West Ham, a deal to take Kyle Walker-Peters must surely be imminent.
It was reported yesterday that West Ham were using the Flynn Downes negotiations with Southampton to broker a move for right-back Walker-Peters in the other direction.
West Ham have been interested in Walker-Peters since last summer.
His versatility and ability to play in multiple positions on both flanks is very appealing to Steidten and Lopetegui.
Reports claimed Walker-Peters has already agreed to the move. With Southampton now said to be signing Osayi, it suggests that deal is all but done.
Coffers boosted to around £75m with duo sold
That also suggests West Ham have reached an agreement with Saints over the fee for Downes.
Originally said to be £15m, that will be reduced slightly with Walker-Peters coming the other way.
But West Ham can still expect to raise around £10m for the midfielder.
Another deal to be completed imminently is Said Benrahma to Lyon.
With West Ham having just £51.5m in their summer budget, player sales for non-essential players are vital.
Hammers News told you on Thursday that Lyon were now in a position to make Benrahma’s loan permanent for the pre-arranged £12.3m fee after clearance from authorities due to their financial situation.
Lyon have since been involved in a flurry of transfer activity.
And Sky Sports’ chief transfer reporter Dharmesh Sheth says the deal will be completed this weekend, boosting West Ham’s coffers to just under £75m if Downes is also sold.
Although he did incorrectly state Benrahma joined the French club on loan last summer – when in fact it was in February, after the window had closed.
“Said Benrahma’s permanent move from West Ham United to Lyon expected to be finalised this weekend,” Sheth said.
“Fee in region of €15m (£12.3m). Benrahma joined on loan last summer with Lyon holding option to make it permanent.”
The three deals are just a few of an insane tidal wave of activity involving West Ham yesterday, with a total of 11 signings linked with the club.