West Ham are not expected to revive their interest in Al-Ittihad midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to ExWHUEmployee.
Writing on the West Ham Way Patreon (quotes via their website), Ex revealed that deals for Kante and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana have effectively been ruled out:
“Both [who] are considered very unlikely at this stage for reasons we have explained previously are two French internationals [N’Golo] Kante and [Youssouf] Fofana.”
The Hammers had a £15m bid rejected for Kante last month. It was reported at the time that Al-Ittihad were holding out for around £25m to sell the former Chelsea player.
Clearly, that isn’t a figure the London club are prepared to match so they have decided to explore other options as they look to strengthen their midfield department.
Who could West Ham sign instead of Kante?
There are currently three outstanding names that Ex believes the Irons will contemplate offers for. Liverpool’s Wataru Endo is set to be made available for €15m (£12.8m).
Technical director Tim Steidten is a big fan of the Japanese international and he is in the club’s price range so he could be an option that is seriously considered before the transfer window closes on August 30th.
Bids for 2 alternatives look less likely
PSG’s Carlos Soler is reportedly a player that manager Julen Lopetegui likes but he is a more attack-minded midfielder than either Kante or Endo so you wouldn’t think an offer for the 27-year-old would be seriously explored.
Richard Rios is another name that has been suggested. The Colombian international impressed whilst playing for his country at the Copa America but his club Palmeiras are expected to play hardball in talks as they don’t want to sell.
The midfielder’s release clause is set at €90m (£76.6m) and they are currently not open to offers below that figure. A move for Rios is, therefore, rather unlikely.
