There has been a huge sudden twist in the battle between West Ham and Leeds United for World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi as a bargain £8m deal is reportedly agreed.
Earlier this month Hammers News reported how West Ham had received a big boost after transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano cast doubts on a Leeds deal for David Moyes target Ounahi.
West Ham and Leeds have been heavily linked with Morocco World Cup star Ounahi all month.
But Leeds looked to have showed the most serious intent to beat the Hammers to Nayef Aguerd’s international teammate.
According to a report from 90Min, West Ham want to sign Ounahi from Angers with his transfer ‘inevitable’ this month (L’Équipe).
As reported on Hammers News last week, the midfield ace has changed agents to help facilitate that and Leeds lodged an official bid for the 22-year-old.
But there has been a huge sudden twist in the battle between West Ham and Leeds for World Cup star Ounahi as a bargain £8m deal is agreed.
It seems neither Moyes or Jesse Marsch will be getting their hands on the classy midfielder.
Because according to breaking reports from France, Marseille have agreed an absolute bargain £8m fee for the star.
According to RMC Sport – as also reported by Get French Football News – Marseille have reached an agreement with Angers over a €10m (£8m) move.
And Ounahi will sign a four-and-a-half year contract.
The reports mention the interest of Leeds, West Ham and Leicester. But it is Marseille who look to have won the race.
“Marseille president Pablo Longoria was in contact with the entourage of the player, but has now managed to convince Angers to agree to a deal,” GFFN reports.
This might go some way to explaining why Leeds have suddenly intensified negotiations to try and sign another West Ham target, Weston McKennie, instead.
The news about Ounahi has certainly come somewhat out of the blue this evening.
Given West Ham and Leeds are battling one another to stay in the Premier League, landing Ounahi could have been a major advantage.
But it was not to be for either club.
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