West Ham have stepped up their transfer business with a move for Monaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassa, as Graham Potter continues reshaping his squad.
According to The Guardian, the Hammers have tabled a bid for the 21-year-old midfielder and are pushing to complete a deal in the coming days.
Magassa has emerged as a key target for the Hammers, who are desperate to bolster their midfield options in the remaining days of the transfer window.
West Ham’s need for midfield reinforcement was laid bare in their devastating 3-0 defeat against newly promoted Sunderland in their Premier League curtain raiser.
The Hammers have since ramped up their transfer business and are looking to get a deal for Magassa wrapped up as soon as possible.
West Ham draw up plan to seal Magassa move
This comes after West Ham agreed a deal in principle that would see Edson Alvarez join Fenerbahce on loan. Both clubs are still in talks to iron out the finer details.
However, the Mexico international is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer, paving the way for new additions to the squad.
With Alvarez set to move on, Potter is keen to secure two additions in midfield.
Magassa is high on that list. The young Frenchman made 29 appearances for Monaco across all competitions last season, including in the Champions League.
His performances also earned him a place with France’s Under-21 side at the European Championship this summer.
West Ham believe he can bring the power, control, and energy required in a defensive midfield role, dictating the tempo and protecting the back line.
Magassa isn’t the only midfielder on West Ham’s radar. Potter also wants a player who can operate as a No. 8, giving his side drive and creativity further forward.
West Ham have attempted to sign Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes, while also keeping tabs on several other midfielders across Europe.
The Hammers have also been linked with a move for Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber.