West Ham United are closing in on the signing of AS Monaco’s young midfielder Soungoutou Magassa, according to The Guardian.
The Hammers have agreed a deal worth €17 million (£14.7m) plus a further €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons and are now working on agreeing terms with the midfielder.
The 21-year-old has been on West Ham’s shortlist throughout the summer, with manager Graham Potter looking to inject energy into the midfield.
Potter is already under immense pressure after kicking off the season with consecutive defeats against newly promoted Sunderland and London rivals Chelsea.
He has been pushing hard for reinforcements, and he’s getting closer to bringing in fresh recruits.
Talks with Monaco have already produced an agreement on a fee, and the club has spent the past few days ironing out personal terms with Magassa.
West Ham see him as a key addition after he made 31 appearances in all competitions last season. He started in 12 of his 21 Ligue 1 games, recording one interception, 2.2 tackles, and 4.3 ball recoveries.
He also won 55% of his ground duels, although his aerial prowess needs improvement.
West Ham also want Sangare
West Ham have also opened talks with Nottingham Forest over a loan deal for Ibrahim Sangare.
The Ivorian midfielder joined Forest from PSV Eindhoven last summer for £30m but has struggled to establish himself fully due to injuries and competition in a crowded squad.
With Forest strengthening heavily in midfield again this window, the 27-year-old could be allowed to leave if a loan agreement includes an option to buy.
When Sangare arrived at City Ground, he was hailed as a key signing. However, he has only shown flashes of his brilliance since.
Injuries and inconsistency have limited him to just 32 Premier League games for Forest.
A move to West Ham would give him a clean slate, and the Hammers will be hoping he can recapture his best form at the London Stadium.