The status of a move for Attila Szalai has been clarified in a journalist’s update as David Moyes zeros in on his prime West Ham target.
West Ham are desperately trying to sign a new centre-back and a left-back.
And West Ham linked Fenerbahce defender Szalai, predominantly a centre-back, can play in both positions.
The towering Hungarian is not the only defender being linked with a move to the London Stadium, though.
Moyes appears to be casting the net far and wide having sold Issa Diop and with Angelo Ogbonna around a month off a return.
West Ham also have injury concerns over Craig Dawson, who missed the season opener against Man City with an issue.
There has been a lot of speculation, mostly from Turkish journalists such as Volkan Agir, that West Ham were on the verge of signing Szalai imminently.
And yesterday Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor claimed West Ham had submitted an official bid for the 6ft 4in 24-year-old.
But Taylor has since provided an update on the situation.
Attila Szalai move clarified in journalist’s update as David Moyes zeros in on prime West Ham target
And the status of the Szalai move has been clarified in the journalist’s update as Moyes zeros in on his prime West Ham target – Thilo Kehrer.
“Correction: No bid yet from West Ham for Attila Szalai but talks on. Story corrected. Apologies,” Taylor said in an update on Twitter.
“Fenerbahce chiefs anticipate offer and have discussed West Ham’s interest with player in Brno, Czech Republic, ahead of Europa League play-off second leg vs FC Slovácko.”
While a move for both Attila and Kehrer cannot necessarily be ruled out, it would surely be unlikely given Moyes’ need to make several other signings in key areas.
With everyone fit that would leave Moyes with Dawson, Ogbonna, Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Szalai and Kehrer.
Even if the Hammers boss played three centre-backs he would be leaving out three first team level central defenders every week.
Although with this likely to be Ogbonna’s last season and rumours that Dawson may want to try and get a move back up north for family reasons, it could well be a possibility.
Regardless, though, it seems clear who Moyes’ priority signing is.
Given the fact West Ham are yet – according to Taylor – to have bid for Szalai but have submitted two bids for Kehrer, it would suggest the German defender is Moyes’ prime central defensive target.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth and Get French Football News have reported West Ham have submitted a second bid for Kehrer having seen their first offer rejected. And yesterday KUMB stated his agent had flown to London to discuss personal terms.
Unfortunately, though, there has not been sufficient progress this week to get the PSG outcast signed ahead of the Nottingham Forest game on Sunday.
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