- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Fulham have now made West Ham United an offer to beat Lyon to the deadline day transfer of Said Benrahma to boost Marco Silva’s attack, HITC Football understands.
The Craven Cottage club have made a last-gasp move to sign the 28-year-old from the Irons with Benrahma still yet to agree the switch to Lyon. Les Gones have sought to seal his return to Ligue 1 this winter. But the delay in their deal has tempted Fulham to launch a late pursuit.
Sources have told HITC Football that further talks are still taking place between Fulham and West Ham regarding Benrahma’s transfer. The Cottagers are keen to welcome the winger to west London before the window shuts at 23:00 GMT with the Irons open to his possible exit.
Fulham make West Ham a deadline day offer for Said Benrahma
West Ham are prepared to let Benrahma leave London Stadium having only played a bit-part role in David Moyes’ plans this season. The Algerian has started in just five of his 13 Premier League matches. He is also yet to score and has one assist in 22 matches in all competitions.
Ahead of deadline day, HITC Football also reported that West Ham had agreed on a fee with Lyon for Benrahma’s transfer. Les Gones fended off competition from Ligue 1 rivals Marseille and a handful of Premier League suitors, too. But Benrahma is still yet to agree to the move.
Lyon reached an agreement with West Ham over an initial loan deal with the option to buy Benrahma this summer. The Irons would have earned £4m to send the winger to France for the rest of this season. Les Gones’ option to buy Benrahma would have been worth £11m.
Lyon await Said Benrahma’s answer after agreeing a loan-to-buy deal
Everton have been among Benrahma’s Premier League suitors, HITC Football also reported exclusively. The Toffees identified the winger as a replacement for Arnaut Danjuma with Lyon targeting the Dutchman. While the Irons even told Benrahma that he can leave east London.
West Ham would prefer to sell Benrahma before the winter market slams shut but will listen to offers for a loan transfer. Now, Fulham have come forward on deadline day and have even tabled a bid. Talks continue between West Ham and Fulham regarding Benrahma’s transfer.
Benrahma has been at London Stadium since October 2020 after joining West Ham on loan from Brentford, which became a permanent transfer in January 2021. Thomas Frank further dubbed the former OGC Nice attacker as ‘magnificent’ during his time at the Bees in 2020.
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