West Ham technical director Tim Steidten is “keeping a close eye” on Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, according to 90min.com.

Hammers captain Kurt Zouma is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and, if the former Chelsea player leaves the London Stadium, a replacement will need to be found.

Steidten knows Tapsoba well, having identified him as a target for Leverkusen when he was a scout for the Bundesliga club in 2020.

The Burkina Faso international cost an initial €18m (with another €7m in add-ons) when he was brought in from Vitoria Guimaraes.

Since then, Tapsoba’s reputation has only increased and reliable reports suggest that the centre-back is now valued between €55m (£48m) and €60m (£52m).

Will West Ham face any rivals for Tapsoba’s signature?

Manchester United are known to be keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, but any offer is likely to be dependent on them selling Harry Maguire (who is coincidentally still a West Ham target).

Newcastle and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Tapsoba but the main issue has always been his valuation. Many feel that the player is overpriced. We shall have to wait and see whether West Ham are prepared to pay a potential club record to sign the defender.

What are the chances that Zouma will leave West Ham?

The club captain will have 18 months left on his contract in January and, if he doesn’t sign an extension soon, then the Irons will have to make a decision on his future.

Saudi Arabian clubs are likely to pay a handsome sum for Zouma, which may be too good for the club to turn down, but any transfer would depend on Zouma’s interest in moving to the Middle East.

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