Classy West Ham target Azzedine Ounahi is changing agents as Leeds United lodge an official bid claims reporter Saber Desfarges.
If you have been following the first spins of the January transfer rumour mill whirring into life you will know that West Ham are said to be keen on signing Morocco World Cup star Ounahi.
Now it seems Leeds United want to beat the Hammers to Nayef Aguerd’s international teammate.
According to a report from 90Min, the Hammers and the likes of Newcastle and Leicester want Ounahi.
It is easy to see why the Morocco midfield ace is on the radar of West Ham and Leeds.
Ounahi, 22, seriously caught the eye with his performances at the World Cup as the Atlas Lions made the semi-finals.
West Ham drew 2-2 with Leeds at Elland Road on Wednesday night with little to choose between the two sides.
Now David Moyes and Jesse Marsch could be going head-to-head off the pitch in the battle for one of the hottest prospects of the January window.
In a recent report L’Équipe claimed Ounahi has made it clear he wants to leave French strugglers Angers and his transfer is said to be ‘inevitable’ this month.
Classy West Ham target Azzedine Ounahi changes agents as Leeds lodge official bid claims reporter Saber Desfarges
Given their precarious positions in the Premier League, any advantage West Ham or Leeds can gain with new arrivals could prove decisive.
So if Moyes really does want the Moroccan midfield ace he needs to act fast.
Because classy West Ham target Ounahi has changed agents as Leeds lodge an official bid according to claims from reporter Saber Desfarges.
Speaking on Telefoot, Desfarges has made the revelation which will excite Leeds fans and frustrate West Ham supporters.
“Azzedine Ounahi is about to change agents according to our information,” Desfarges claimed on Telefoot.
“Leeds made an offer of 25 million euros (£22m), as did Napoli who made an offer of less than 20 million euros (£17.6m).
“As revealed this morning in Telefoot, Leeds entered the dance to afford Azzedine Ounahi this winter. Napoli too.
“Barcelona and Almeria follow him closely. OM are in regular contact with Ounahi’s entourage, but no offer has been made to Angers.”
With Declan Rice’s future uncertain and both Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta struggling to find their best form, West Ham need a new central midfielder.
Leeds beating the Hammers to Ounahi would be a massive blow if Moyes really does want him at the London Stadium.
One would think if West Ham get serious – and Moyes has this week admitted he could well look to make signings this month – that the offer of playing in Europe and London life would give the Hammers the edge.