West Ham have joined Aston Villa in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, according to reporter Mathieu Gregoire.

The journalist claims that the former Arsenal player could be the subject of bids from both Premier League clubs before the transfer window closes, although he says neither team has formalised their interest yet:

“Regarding Guendouzi, as we know, English clubs like Aston Villa and West Ham are ready to make big offers, but currently, we’re not at that point.”

Guendouzi has been heavily linked with Villa in recent weeks, with his former manager Unai Emery keen to work with the Frenchman again after originally recruiting him during his time as Gunners boss.

The midfielder did, however, leave the Emirates under a cloud after falling out with Emery’s successor Mikel Arteta, sealing a £9m move to Marseille last summer after a loan spell at the Ligue One club.

It is believed that Guendouzi could now cost as much as £30m, and it remains to be seen whether the Hammers are prepared to invest that much in signing the player this month.