West Ham could get £20m discount on target and former Newcastle flop Florian Thauvin – report

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West Ham United were heavily linked with a big money move for former Newcastle United star Florian Thauvin last summer.

The likes of Sky Sports transfer guru Kaveh Solhekol, L’Equipe and Daily Mercato claimed West Ham had been offered Dimitri Payet’s Marseille teammate Thauvin for £35-40million.

There was even talk the Hammers tried to include striker Javier Hernandez in the deal to make it cheaper.

West Ham were heavily linked with Newcastle flop

Thauvin, who had an unsuccessful spell at Newcastle, remains one of Marseille’s most saleable assets.

And L’OM’s much publicised financial struggles mean they are open to offers for their top stars.

According to Sky sources the deal was discussed by intermediaries and involved West Ham paying £35m and Javier Hernandez moving to Marseille in part exchange.

The ex Magpies man has scored 60 goals in three seasons at Marseille after an unhappy spell at Newcastle.

He also started for France alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann this season.

The attacking star played just 16 games at Newcastle, scoring once.

But now a new report from France claims West Ham target Thauvin will be available for just £20million in the next transfer window.

Report claims Thauvin asking price slashed by £20m

RMC claim Marseille’s asking price for the former Newcastle man has plummeted as he is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

“Thauvin could be sold for a price that has nothing to do with what the board was hoping for two years ago, when they were talking about £60-70m,” RMC reports.

“There will not be any offers worth more than £20-25m for Thauvin.”

A move for Thauvin would make perfect sense for David Moyes.

Move makes perfect sense for Moyes

Having only just turned 27, he fits the age profile Moyes is looking to build his new-look West Ham team around (whufc.com).

The Scot is desperately seeking someone who can link with – and coax the best out of – record signing Sebastien Haller.

Thauvin and his compatriot Haller would complement eachother well.

Thauvin can also play across the midfield. And a clutch of West Ham’s midfielders have uncertain futures including Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere and Manuel Lanzini.