West Ham United’s move for a rumoured transfer target hinges on their Europa League decider against Astra after Everton were snubbed.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic and Everton manager Ronald Koeman share a joke
According to reports the Hammers and Toffees have been locked in a battle for Lyon attacker Rachid Ghezzal.
Earlier this month the London Evening Standard claimed Slaven Bilic had bid £6.8million for the versatile Algerian attacker but Everton were said to have quickly tabled a higher offer.
Ghezzal in action
Ronald Koeman has been busy reshaping his Toffees squad, though, and Everton are cash rich following the £49.7 million sale of John Stones to Manchester City.
But Bilic’s hopes of luring Ghezzal to play alongside his international teammate Sofiane Feghouli now rest on their progression to the Europa League group stages.
Rachid Ghezzal
Ghezzal wants wants European football but can Hammers deliver it?
That’s according to France Football, which claims Ghezzal snubbed the Toffees’ offer due to a lack of European football on offer.
Talks have stalled between Lyon and Ghezzal over a new contract and France Football reports that West Ham continue to push to sign the player with Arsenal also sniffing around.
West Ham United’s Jonathan Calleri heads at goal against Astra Astra stand in the way
The report states: “A contract extension with a considerable wage rise or a move to an English side offering European football: that is what Ghezzal wants and it is also what he is going to get.”
The Hammers entertain Romanian champions Astra Giurgiu at the London Stadium on Thursday night with the tie all square at 1-1 on aggregate.
West Ham have the away goal with the victors progressing through to the Europa League proper. Bilic knows that must be his side if he is to have any hope of capturing Ghezzal.
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