West Ham are interested in signing Watford ace Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to a report by The Daily Mail.
Doucoure has been in fine form for Watford, who are desperate to keep their midfield star. But Everton, PSG and now West Ham are in the hunt for the £40m-rated player.
This same report suggests that Danny Drinkwater, who is out of favour at Chelsea, is an alternative for West Ham.
Manuel Pellegrini is keen to bolster his midfield options before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday evening.
Who is Abdoulaye Doucoure?
Doucoure moved to Watford from Rennes in 2016 and has since played 79 Premier League games. He has 11 goals and eight assists in the top flight.
This season, the 26-year-old has excelled under Javi Gracia, operating in an advanced central midfield role.
With three goals and five assists in 22 Premier League games, Doucoure has been particularly impressive.
This has earned the former France under-21 midfielder plenty of admirers with West Ham reportedly joining Everton and PSG in this pursuit.
The Hammers are keen to bolster their midfield options with Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez and Manuel Lanzini all out injured.
Watford, West Ham and Everton are all in the hunt for seventh place – the final Europa League qualifying spot – so the Hornets will probably attempt to block any January move.
But a bid of around £40m could test Watford’s resolve in the final few days of the transfer window.
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