Sources: Said Benrahma deal takes twist with Everton hopes of signing West Ham star under threat

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that French giants Lyon have spoken with West Ham about a deal for wantaway winger Said Benrahma.

We revealed last week that Everton had made a move for the Algerian winger who joined the Hammers from Brentford in 2020, but the Toffees would only be looking at a loan with an option to buy.

Sean Dyche’s side have been rather hampered in the January window due to their inability to buy players because of the financial fair play issues they find themselves having to deal with.

This could lead to the club struggling to get deals over the line and that looks to be the case with the prospective signing of Said Benrahma this month.

Everton are looking for loan signings following the club losing Arnaut Danjuma, who has agreed terms with Lyon, who would take over his loan from Villarreal.

Lyon’s move for Benrahma

Despite Lyon’s move for Danjuma, it now seems the French giants have turned their attention to the Algerian and have opened talks with the Hammers over a permanent deal. David Moyes’ side are understood to want in the region of £15 million for the 28-year-old.

Another side who are also understood to be interested in the Algerian is Marseille as the side, managed by Genaro Gattuso, does like the 28-year-old winger.

If a permanent deal is agreed with Lyon or Marseille, the Hammers would take the money and the wages saved on Benrahma and would attempt to go into the transfer market and finance one deal themselves, with a new forward high on their list of priorities.

HITC understands that the East London club are continuing talks over Ghanaian youngster Ibrahim Osman and former Celtic ace Jota.

Benrahma’s tough season for West Ham

He has certainly had some promising spells at the London Stadium for the Hammers with the 2021-2022 season, in particular, being a highlight as Benrahma netted 8 times and provided six assists.

This season, however, he has played just 615 minutes in the Premier League for West Ham this season, starting only six matches and providing zero goals and one assist in all competitions in 2023-24.

In fact in his most recent appearance for the club, against Bristol City in the FA Cup, the 28-year-old was sent off at Ashton Gate as Moyes’ side lost 1-0 to the EFL Championship club.

This could well spell the end of Benrahma’s time in London.