West Ham United transfer news: Jota signing update as Said Benrahma stance emerges after bid arrives – Jacob Steinberg
Said Benrahma doesn’t want to leave West Ham for Lyon despite a bid arriving at the London Stadium from the Ligue 1 club, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported via Twitter on 30 January that the Algerian is “currently reluctant” to depart ahead of the January transfer window closing, following a £15million plus add-ons offer from France.
On the other hand, potential replacement Jota’s move in the opposite direction is still in the works despite tax complications associated with leaving the Saudi Pro League, but the Portuguese is said to be “very open” to a loan deal which would keep him with the Irons until the end of next season.
Steinberg wrote: “Said Benrahma currently reluctant to leave West Ham and go to Lyon, who have bid £15m for the winger.
“West Ham’s move for Jota a work in progress. Winger very open to 18 month loan despite tax issues around leaving Saudi.”
Blockage
Benrahma’s Premier League involvement has dropped significantly this term with the arrival of Mohammed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse (13 appearances), while Lucas Paqueta stayed despite coming close to a Manchester City move in the summer.
With West Ham still working on attacking reinforcements it is unlikely that the 28-year-old’s prospects are going to improve drastically, with even his recent starts coming as a result of an injury crisis for David Moyes in forward areas.
The former Brentford man didn’t help his case when given the opportunity as was then sent off against Bristol City as the Irons were knocked out of the FA Cup.
So if the club are going to bring in Jota, with personal terms thought to be agreed, or others before the deadline it would be in their interest to move on the likes of Benrahma and Pablo Fornals at the same time, lest they be stuck with a bloated squad of players who are now longer in the manager’s favour.
The fee on offer for the former isn’t giant but would help balance expenditure, but with reported interest from multiple Premier League clubs this month it may be that he would prefer to stay in England.
With the clock ticking down to the deadline there will need to be a change of heart or a rival offer made or else player and club might be stuck in an unhappy marriage for the rest of the season.
In other West Ham news, the man at the centre of a transfer window controversy wants the Hammers to sign him.
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