West Ham are considering a late move to sign Lille winger Jonathan Bamba as David Moyes targets an alternative to Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, according to the Express.
The Hammers have sought to secure a permanent transfer for Lingard after the England international’s phenomenal loan spell last season. But Moyes is likely out of luck, as Lingard looks set to stay and fight for his Old Trafford future.
West Ham have not given up all hope of purchasing Lingard following his nine-goal, five-assist loan spell last term. Yet view Bamba as a suitable last-ditch alternative ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline as the Frenchman can occupy a similar role in Moyes’ plans this season.
Bamba was a man reborn in Ligue 1 last season as he helped Lille win the title under Christophe Galtier. The 25-year-old offered six goals and 11 assists over 38 appearances, starting 34 of Les Dogues’ top-flight encounters.
West Ham could face competition from Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen in any efforts to sign Bamba from Lille. The Italian and German outfits also admire what the former France U21 international regular can bring to their respective sides.
Lille would also set West Ham a £25m asking price, should Moyes turn his attention toward the Stade Pierre Mauroy. Bamba’s haul of 11 assists last term was his first double-digit return in Ligue 1 in seven campaigns. His six goals was also the Saint-Etienne product’s best output since striking 13 times in 38 outings during 2018/19.
Should West Ham sign Lille forward Bamba before next Tuesday’s deadline?
This is not the first time that Moyes has sought to take Bamba to West Ham, having also wanted the Lille forward’s services in 2018, while the winger was still on Saint-Etienne’s books. That’s according to The Sun, who claimed the Irons drew up a pre-contract.
Now, Moyes could finally have his man, if West Ham accept Lingard is not returning and turn to Bamba instead. But Les Dogues accepting any offer could spark further Premier League interest, as Sky Sports reported Tottenham Hotspur wanted him earlier this year.
Bamba went on to win Ligue 1 and enjoyed a strong year on a personal level after a difficult 2019/20. Galtier certainly noted an improvement to the Frenchman’s performances, with the now-Nice boss noting via the Ligue 1 website:
“Jonathan has been in fantastic form at the start of this season, full credit to him. Jo is on the pitch more often than not, and if that’s the case, it’s that he is an important player for the team. He helps keep us balanced, and on top of all that he’s rediscovered the form he showed two years ago.”
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