West Ham United’s hopes of signing Kurt Zouma appear to be at a pivotal moment.
According to Sky Sports West Ham – desperately in need of a new centre back – are in talks with Chelsea over a deal with the bidding starting at £20.5 million.
Fabian Balbuena has left West Ham meaning Moyes only has Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop as options.
Hammers linked with Blues and Les Bleus defender
West Ham have also been boosted by the news – also from Sky Sports – that Zouma would welcome a move across London.
There has been talk the West Ham target would be used as a makeweight in Chelsea’s move for Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde.
Zouma is said to be happy and settled in London, which is that may be a non-starter for Chelsea and Sevilla.
And football transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claims the transfer triangle has quickly reached a pivotal moment with Sevilla demanding more money from Chelsea for Kounde if Zouma is not included in the deal.
Romano claims Zouma deal is at critical moment as Sevilla await Chelsea decision over increased Kounde fee
Get French Football News also posted the claim on Twitter, quoting Romano.
Although the accounts missed the word ‘not‘ from the update – presumably lost in translation – they claim Sevilla will not release Kounde, who has reportedly agreed personal terms already – unless Chelsea agree to pay more if Zouma is not part of the deal.
“Talks ongoing between Chelsea and Sevilla for Jules Kounde but Sevilla want more than €30/35m [if Kurt Zouma will (not) be confirmed as part of the deal],” Romano said on Twitter.
“Kounde agreed personal terms with Chelsea two days ago – he’s buzzing to join CFC. NO chance for Marquinhos.”
Zouma preference leaves Chelsea little choice and could mean West Ham seal deal as Blues raise the extra cash
With Sky Sports reporting that Zouma wants West Ham move over Sevilla – that would appear to leave Chelsea little choice but to pay the extra money for Kounde.
Indeed that may also mean West Ham get Zouma for a lower price as Chelsea will want to raise the extra funds through the sale.
West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has also claimed the Hammers are in for another centre-back too.
So it is clear Moyes wants the position filled as soon as possible.
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