West Ham are pressing ahead with their plans to sign Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, according to sources close to the player.
Speaking to Africa Foot, an unnamed insider at the CAA Stellar Agency representing Onyedika confirmed that the Hammers and AC Milan have made their interest known:
“West Ham made contact with Brugge on Tuesday and are ready to begin discussions, as they are willing to sell at the right price. AC Milan were the first to approach but are unlikely to match the €24m (£20m) valuation.”
The source also says that Onyedika is very interested in securing a move to the London Stadium:
“Personal terms with Raphael shouldn’t be an issue, as the player is keen to play in the Premier League.”
Onyedika has been linked with a move recently
The Athletic reporter Roshane Thomas confirmed earlier this week that the Nigerian international was one of the Irons’ top targets for the summer transfer window.
Head coach Graham Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay are keen to add more legs in midfield and Onyedika has been identified as the player who matches the criteria.
The 24-year-old played a crucial role in helping Club Brugge reach the last 16 of the Champions League this campaign.
Do West Ham have £20m to spend?
It has been reported by several different outlets that Potter’s team need to sell before they buy this summer so it will be interesting to see whether they do match Onyedika’s asking price.
There is clearly competition for the player, although it seems AC Milan will not be in a position to meet Club Brugge’s valuation either. For that reason, there could be room for manoevre in terms of negotiating a lower fee.