West Ham United could step up their interest in a move to sign Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss before the transfer deadline, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Hammers have had a steady summer transfer window so far with the additions of El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson and Mads Hermansen to the squad, replacing a host of experienced stars who were allowed to leave at the end of their contracts.
But now attention has turned to adding more firepower to Graham Potter's squad, and Morocco international El Khannouss is a target.
West Ham to Step Up Move for El Khannouss
Bilal El Khannouss in action for Leicester City
El Khannouss, who has been described as 'magical' by scout Jacek Kulig, was one of the standout performers for Leicester during the 2024/25 season as the Foxes suffered an immediate relegation back to the Championship.
The Morocco international has a £22.5m release clause in his contract at the King Power Stadium, and GIVEMESPORT sources understand that he is expected to leave this summer amid interest from a number of clubs, including West Ham.
However, the east London outfit may find a move difficult to complete despite their interest as it's currently unclear if the player would be open to switching to the London Stadium.
Bilal El Khannouss' statistics for Leicester City in the Premier League this season
The 21-year-old is aware of interest from the Hammers, but sources understand he is currently unconvinced about whether or not a move to Potter's side would be the right fit for him. El Khannouss was in a struggling team last year in his first campaign in England, and it's understood that he would prefer to not be in a similar situation in 2025/26 if he were to return to the Premier League.
It has also now emerged that there are doubts over whether or not West Ham could actually afford a deal for him, despite his release clause.
The Moroccan went on to play 32 Premier League games last season, scoring twice, but despite some impressive individual performances, Leicester got relegated to the Championship under now-departed manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
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All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 16/08/2025.