Daniel Feliciano

Mon 14 August 2023 11:45, UK

West Ham United have opened talks with Mohammed Kudus about joining this summer as a replacement for Lucas Paqueta, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (14 August), the reliable transfer journalist reports that the Hammers have held “positive talks” with the Ghana international about a move to the London Stadium.

Kudus is open to the move, but West Ham have not approached Ajax yet as the deal depends on whether Paqueta joins Manchester City – with a new bid for the Brazilian expected soon.

“EXCL: West Ham now open initial talks to sign Mohammed Kudus — priority target in case Lucas Paquetá leaves to join Manchester City,” he wrote.

“Positive talks on player side, Kudus open to the move — still waiting to approach Ajax as deal will depend on Paquetá.”

Wow

This would be a mightily impressive signing for West Ham, and would most certainly soften the blow if Paqueta was to up sticks and leave.

Many fans have been worried about replacing the Brazilian, such is his quality, but Kudus would bring great pedigree from playing European football with Ajax while having also starred on the international stage with Ghana before.

At just 23 he is much younger too and provides more of a threat in the final third with goals and assists a big part of his game.

The fee to get a deal done is likely to be around £35m, a fee which Brighton have already agreed for him, so we would have to move quickly to convince him to join.

But after positive talks he’s seemingly open to it, so a decision on Paqueta will have to happen quickly to ensure we don’t get left behind in this race. Ex called this happening and is right again, so now lets get it over the line.

In other West Ham news, England ace “almost certain” to leave club with Hammers at the front of the queue.