West Ham have started negotiations with Cologne to sign Ellyes Skhiri according to Tunisian football journalist Walid Elmechri.
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The Hammers were first linked with a move to sign the 26-year-old midfielder by German publication Express a few days ago.
Central midfield is an area where David Moyes will be desperate to bolster this summer.
West Ham are in need of more quality competition and cover for Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice at the London Stadium.
Hammers boss Moyes is a big fan of hard working, dynamic midfield players.
West Ham open negotiations to sign Ellyes Skhiri
If hard-working, dynamic and energetic is what the Scot wants, then the 36-capped Tunisia international is the perfect man for the job.
He covered more distance than any other player in Germany last season (Bundesliga official website).
He would be a superb signing for West Ham.
Walid Elmechri reckons that the Hammers have opened negotiations with Cologne to sign Skhiri…
This news comes after Lyon allegedly had an €8 million (£6.8 million) bid for the 26-year-old rejected.
In 32 Bundesliga games last season, Skhiri racked up five goals and three assists (Transfermarkt).
At 26, he is at the ideal age to make the move to the Premier League from the Bundesliga. He has all of the attributes needed to succeed in England.
Cologne allegedly want around £20 million for Skhiri (Express). If West Ham could pick him top for that kind of money or even less, it would be very good business for us.
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Skhiri would be a fantastic addition to Moyes’s ranks this summer. And it would be great to get this one wrapped up as soon as possible.
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