Report: West Ham have £10.5m offer rejected for Josef de Souza

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West Ham are said to be interested in the Fenerbahce midfielder.

Turkish outlet Sporx have claimed West Ham United have had a £10.5million bid rejected for Brazilian midfielder Josef de Souza, though the Hammers could return with an improved offer.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season on a personal level, playing an instrumental role in Fener’s title challenge that saw his side finish second and just three points behind champions Galatasaray.

A holding midfielder, Souza is renowned for his tough tackling and ability to read an attacker’s mind, but also boasts plenty of technical ability synonymous with that of his home country. Passing, vision and an eye for goal; Souza is well equipped.

That has seen Manuel Pellegrini make an offer for the three-time Brazil international, who has also turned out for the likes of Porto, Sao Paulo, Gremio and Vasca da Gama.

The Hammers desperately need additions in the middle of the park after making do with just captain Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate at times last season. Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes were injured for much of the campaign, while Josh Cullen remains a rookie at Premier League level.

It saw former manager David Moyes look to add a central midfielder to his squad in January, but he missed out on the likes of Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey, Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker and Fulham captain Tom Cairney.

Now, West Ham must weigh up if they are to re-enter the market for Souza, with the report claiming Fener are holding out for a figure nearer £13million this summer. The midfielder has a contract with Fener until the end of next season.