According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have seen their latest offer worth up to £33 million for Leicester City defensive target Wesley Fofana turned down.
The Hammers are keen to bring in a new defender ahead of the transfer deadline.
Fofana emerged as a target this past week, with Sky Sports reporting on Wednesday how the east London club launched a £23 million bid with £10 million of add-ons.
The latest reports from Sky Sports, however, say this bid has been rejected.
The editorial goes on to say that West Ham will now turn their attentions elsewhere, though their efforts to sign Burnley’s James Tarkowski have also been unsuccessful.
Leicester, meanwhile, have also been in talks with sign Fofana.
The Daily Mail claimed this past week how the 19-year-old turned down a new contract in France to pursue a move to Leicester, urging his club to let him go.
“I’d be crazy to say no to Leicester. I am aware of taking a risk by leaving early abroad, but I’m determined and mentally ready. By putting in that sum Leicester are proving they really want me,” Fofana explained.
Saint Etienne, however, are evidently doing their upmost to either keep him or drive a bidding war between Premier League suitors to raise a higher fee.
But with the Foxes also keen on Tarkowski, the French club are in danger of missing out on a potential big sale and having an unhappy player on their hands.
Fofana played 17 games for St Etienne last season. Standing at 6ft 3inch, the talented central defender no doubt has a big future ahead of him.
Premier League top scorers 2019/20
- Jamie Vardy – Leicester
23
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal
22
- Danny Ings – Southampton
22
- Raheem Sterling – Manchester City
20
- Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
19
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