West Ham have had “initial talks” with Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist claims the Ghanaian international is being lined up as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta, with the player keen on a switch to the London Stadium:

EXCL: West Ham now open initial talks to sign Mohammed Kudus — priority target in case Lucas Paquetá leaves to join Manchester City ⚒️🇬🇭 #WHUFC

Positive talks on player side, Kudus open to the move — still waiting to approach Ajax as deal will depend on Paquetá. pic.twitter.com/APjpMxVy56

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2023

Manchester City have already had one bid rejected for Paqueta but manager David Moyes has admitted that the Brazilian international could leave for the right price:

“There’s a price on everybody’s head. We have had news on Lucas, but not anything to make our heads wobble. Lucas Paqueta is an incredibly talented player. I’ve also got to keep good harmony in the football club and ensure things are done correctly.”

Kudus is a player in demand

West Ham are not the only Premier League team who are interested in signing Kudus. Brighton had a €40m (£34m) bid accepted for the 22-year-old earlier this month but the player stalled on the move.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also known to be keen admirers of the midfielder but neither club currently have the funds to finance an offer for the player.

West Ham would be getting a player with an eye for goal

It’s fair to say that Kudus is a very different player to Paqueta. He does play in more advanced areas, either as a no.10, right winger or even as an out-and-out striker.

For that reason, he is on the scoresheet on a regular basis. Last season, the Ghanaian scored 18 times in all competitions and he has already hit the back of the net in Ajax’s opening fixture this campaign.