Away from the West Ham goal keeper transfer saga for a moment, more details have emerged regarding contract clauses of one of the Irons’ top midfield targets.
Following [Gonzo’s articl](https://www.claretandhugh.info/hammers-learn-of-buyout-clause-for-second-choice-target/)e earlier this month concerning the relegation clause in the contract of another of Leicester City’s brightest talents, it seems that in addition to naming the price for a release, the players’ clause is also time-limited, meaning the Hammers and other suitors have until just 15th August to activate it.
Identified by Ex WHUemployee as being on Potter and Macaulay’s ‘playmaker’ shortlist, **Bilal El-Khannouss** is available for ‘just’ the £22.5 million now that the Foxes have slipped back into the Championship.
The attacking midfielder is attracting interest from Leeds and Spurs alongside West Ham, but according to Leeds site _[theleedspress.com](https://www.theleedspress.com/leeds-united-hold-advantage-over-west-ham-tottenham-in-transfer-chase-for-top-target-43671/)_ the clause has to be activated by mid August – so the clock is ticking on a deal with any purchaser.
Whether the Hammers will pursue their interest in El-Khannouss depends on what remains of the summer budget once the club make a choice on their goalkeeper, no doubt: A two-player swoop on Leicester City for both Hermansen and El Khannouss would seem to be -erm- unlikely.
So far the signs are not looking good that West Ham can move fast enough with just ten days to activate the skilful Moroccan’s buyout clause. The club still insist that a midfielder plus a goalkeeper is on the ‘must-have’ list before the window closes, but the cynics in the Hammers fan base (count me as one) still point to the fact that Josh Brownhill appears to be waiting in the wings as the ‘freebie’ midfield signing designate.