West Ham United keep eye on late move for Reims attacker El Bilal Toure before deadline
West Ham want to be kept informed over the possibility of a late move for Reims attacker El Bilal Toure as interest hots up around him, 90min reports.
The 20-year-old was subject of an approach from Everton earlier in the transfer window and they are again looking at the possibility of a deal before the window shuts.
At the same time Premier League clubs are queuing up to consider the Mali international as a last-gasp candidate to boost their options in attack.
90min report that it would only take around £10million to sign the youngster, who they term one of the “breakout stars” of the Ligue 1 club’s previous campaign.
Behind the Toffees it appears that Southampton are the next in line, but the Hammers are present alongside Crystal Palace and Brighton as interested parties who want to know if there is any movement around the youngster.
West Ham shelled out for a record-breaking €60million package to sign Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta this week (29 August) but were thought to still be looking to add, with the likes of Hans Vanaken still a target.
Necessary?
David Moyes has got his main man in the form of the former Lyon star but it has been anything but a smooth start to the season so any extra options that are available for such low fees are going to be of some interest.
He has been after Vanaken for so long that he would surely prefer to add the central option before the deadline, although that move is proving difficult.
While Gianluca Scamacca has been brought in as the long-awaited striking option to compete with Michail Antonio, another man who can operate there would guard against injuries.
The versatility of Toure means he can also feature on either wing as well and the manager has shown a lot of interest in strengthening the depth of his squad this summer as well as the starting line up.
Emerson, Flynn Downes and Maxwel Cornet are all new options rather than guaranteed starters, while Thilo Kehrer was soured at late notice.
This one surely goes down as an outside chance unless it becomes clear the French side are letting him go for a low price.
He scored twice and assisted four in the French top flight last season, but has scored four international goals in 15 caps already, so if he is on the move and he’s affordable West Ham have not shied away from sending bids in plenty of directions this summer.