Claret & Hugh have been informed this evening that West Ham do have a list of targets following the failed move for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
The Hammers lost out to Newcastle United for the Villa man in a £40m deal and are currently in negotiations for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes.
When we spoke to an agent at length earlier today about contingency plans should the deal for the Portuguese U21 star fall through, we specifically asked about Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City. The playmaker is reported to have a release clause worth £22.5m ($30m), and there is also interest from Leeds United.
Most Read on West Ham News
“West Ham are looking at a number of players from the Championship. Some got relegated last season.” was the reply. Whilst it wasn’t a direct confirmation of interest in the Moroccan, the club are known to have scouted him.
El Khannouss was rumoured to be a target for Newcastle United, but reports suggest they have now dropped out of the race — presumably due to the imminent arrival of Ramsey. However, it appears the Hammers remain in contention.
West Ham have already done business with the Foxes for Mads Hermansen this summer, so negotiations could be a little smoother than with other clubs.