West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten is “going to Amsterdam today” in an attempt to seal a move for Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna.
The journalist, who has a mixed track record when it comes to accuracy, claims the Hammers chief is heading out to the Netherlands to try and hash out a deal as quickly as possible:
🚨EXCL: 🔴⚪️🇬🇭 #Eredivisie |
◉ Tim Steidten, the sportive director of West Ham, is going to Amsterdam today to meet Ajax Amsterdam for Mohammed Kudus.
◉ The Hammers want to find an agreement with Ajax. pic.twitter.com/p8AOO701MZ
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 17, 2023
Brighton have previously agreed a €40m (£34m) fee for Kudus, but the player stalled on a move to the south coast. However, it has been suggested that, if West Ham agree a similar deal to sign the player, he would be open to joining the Irons.
Other Premier League teams, such as Chelsea and Arsenal, have also been credited as suitors and Steidten’s decision to travel out to Amsterdam may be an attempt to head off interest from rivals.
Chelsea could present a major threat
Following the news that Michael Olise’s move to Stamford Bridge from Crystal Palace has collapsed, there is a chance that the Blues will revive their interest in Kudus.
Trusted journalist David Ornstein revealed last month that Mauricio Pochettino’s side have made formal enquiries about the 22-year-old so West Ham may now face a fight to secure his services.
West Ham are making progress in the transfer market
In addition to Kudus, it is believed that Steidten is negotiating with Stuttgart to buy former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos. After Manchester United’s Harry Maguire snubbed a move to the London Stadium, the Hammers have switched their attention to the Greek international.
It appears that manager David Moyes will have further additions to his first-team squad very soon, following the arrivals of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.
