According to The Daily Star, West Ham United are back in the market for Barcelona full back Moussa Wague amid concerns over Jeremy Ngakia.
Ngakia is out of contract this summer, which wasn’t expected to be an issue. He has made his Premier League debut under David Moyes, so many thought he would stay put.
However, Ngakia has rejected a new deal at the club. It now looks like the teenager will leave the club when his contract expires, leaving the club out of pocket and needing a right back.
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It’s now claimed that West Ham are back in for Wague. He was a West Ham target in January but a deal was scrapped according to The Guardian.
Work permit issues allegedly kiboshed that move, which would have been a loan with a view to an €18million (£16million) permanent move.
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Instead, Wague joined Nice on loan. With two assists in five games, Wague showed his potential, but Nice chose not to make his move permanent earlier this month.
That puts Wague back on the market, and West Ham are keen. Barcelona would be happy to loan him out, or they could even sell him if the price is right.
The global pandemic may mean a permanent move is difficult – especially with Ngakia’s exit unlikely to bring in much money. There is also the matter of the work permit again, which could be a problem for the Senegal international.
The 21-year-old is a real talent, but this could be a tricky move. His availability certainly helps, but West Ham may still hold out hope for a U-turn from Ngakia.
In other news, Report: West Ham monitoring 22-year-old who Dean Smith said has 'huge potential'