Why Mory Gbane’s Yaya Toure-inspired evolution will excite West Ham fans

Mory Gbane has emerged on West Ham's radar.

The Stade Reims midfielder will likely be an unknown quantity for many Hammers fans.

But, one player that the Irons faithful will be well aware of is Yaya Toure.

The former Manchester City midfielder is one of the greatest in English football history and target Gbane has been likened to him.

Other than the obvious comparisons to Toure, due to them both hailing from Ivory Coast, Gbane's career has quite a similar path already.

And while there may be plenty to learn about who the Stade Reims ace is, that will surely provide excitement over the links.

The Yaya Toure traits that makes Mory Gbane such an intriguing prospect

French media have reported West Ham's interest in Gbane is genuine.

The Hammers are one midfielder lighter after the sale of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham; meanwhile, Edson Alvarez looks unlikely to fill the void with a reported loan to FC Koln on the cards.

Gbane could be the answer to Nuno Espirito Santo's problems and his profile of player is certainly one that offers much intrigue.

As Ligue 1 have described Gbane, he excels with "his anticipatory qualities and ball-playing abilities" as well as his "aerial qualities."

Those traits have also been said to be "like Yaya Toure" according to the official website of the French top division.

With Toure having plenty of fanfare in England, that is an exciting comparison to hear amid reports of the Irons' interest.

However, other than just his on-pitch abilities, Gbane is mirroring Toure in other ways.

Why West Ham could benefit from Gbane’s hybrid role

In another similarity with Toure, Gbane, while typically a number six, has been used as central defender sporadically.

The former Man City and Barcelona midfielder also found himself with spells in the backline during the early parts of his career, furthering the already drawn comparisons.

However, Gbane prefers to be in the middle of the pitch as that is where he is "most comfortable."

But the versatility to fill in at the back is another string to his bow and a trait that makes a deal all the more attractive.

And at 25 years old, there is still plenty of time for Gbane to continue being moulded into a top midfielder.

Whether or not West Ham's genuine interest turns into an official approach remains to be seen, but he would be an exciting acquisition.