Report: Hammers move for French centre-back playing in Germany

Reports in Germany this afternoon suggest West Ham continue to enquire about the French centre back Moussa Niakhaté from FSV Mainz 05. The 24-year-old is reported to be available for €15 million according to Sky Sports Germany reported by ‘Get Germany Football News’

West Ham’s interest has been reported by Sky Sports reporter Alexander Bonengel. The club will have to move quickly to wrap up a deal for the Frenchman before the transfer deadline closes this evening. Niakhaté can play as a centre-back and as a left-back giving David Moyes a number of choices

Niakhate has made over 100 top-flight appearances in France and Germany. The defender has scored three goals and assisted seven more.

He joined FSV Mainz 05 in the summer of 2018 and, during the 2019/20 season, he has started 33 out of the 34 league games the team has been involved in. Niakhaté is a key figure in the FSV Mainz 05 backline, having played as a central defender in 31 games this campaign. When FSV Mainz 05 played with a back three, Niakhaté would find himself playing on the left side of the three.

Niakhaté has captained the side in 12 games during the 2019/20 season, which has seen him been a leader and role model on the pitch. His impressive performances this season have caught the eye of some big clubs across Europe, with AS Roma looking to land the Frenchman, as well as interest from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais.