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West Ham are one of several clubs who are keen on recruiting Rennes midfielder Djaoui Cisse, according to reports.
Africafoot claims that the Hammers are “preparing” to make a bid for the 22-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window, along with Leeds United.
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The likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also interested in Cisse, but the team to worry about is believed to be Bayer Leverkusen.
The Bundesliga side are deemed to be in “pole position” to secure the France Under 21 international’s signature, having already tabled a bid of around €20m (£17m).
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What do fans need to know about Cisse?
The midfielder has Malian ancestry, but he was born in France and came through the ranks of Rennes before making his senior debut for their B team against Tregunc in August 2021.
At the beginning of 2024, Cisse made his first appearance for the first team in Ligue One against Clermont Foot, coming on for the final few minutes of a 3-1 win.
However, he would have to wait another twelve months before becoming a regular starter in the senior setup. His one and only goal so far has come against Montpellier during a 4-0 victory in March last year.
West Ham will need to strengthen the midfield
The Hammers have already lost Guido Rodriguez and Lucas Paqueta during the January transfer window, and both James Ward-Prowse and (potentially) Tomas Soucek could depart the London Stadium at the end of the season.
It means that whatever division they are playing in, the Irons will have to bring in additional midfielders. Cisse would seemingly be a cost-effective solution. He is young and showing plenty of promise, but winning a battle for his services with Leverkusen would be a tall order.
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