West Ham insider ExWHUEmployee has confirmed the Hammers’ interest in Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau.
The Congo international was excellent at the London Stadium on Saturday as the Hammers lifted the BoyleSports Cup on penalties.
As West Ham toiled in midfield, the French side dominated the centre of the park in the first half, and Mukau was at the heart of much of his team’s best work. As a result, the Irons have been linked with a €20m move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s international teammate.
Ex has revealed that the 20-year-old has been on West Ham’s radar for some considerable time. However, his display against Lucas Paquetá, James Ward-Prowse and Freddie Potts certainly appears to have caught the eye of Graham Potter.
No bid has been made for Mukau yet, but his agent was reportedly in attendance at the London Stadium to watch his client in action.
One anomaly in the reporting is the suggestion that he is an option as West Ham’s midfield replacement. While Mukau would undoubtedly complement the Hammers midfield, he is not really an alternative to other West Ham targets like Fernandes and Ramsey. Mukau is very much a player to break up attacks rather than create them — so if West Ham are serious about recruiting the Lille midfielder, it should be in addition to more attacking signings, rather than instead of them.
Alvarez goes this player will be a very good replacement and we actually may come out with a small profit something very much to Sullivans liking…Ramsey is a big no for me as the players heart is not in it so why have someone who does not want to be here in the dressing room.