West Ham and Newcastle were both linked to Thiago Maia in the summer.
Lille midfielder Thiago Maia’s underwhelming start to the season at Lille could present a new opportunity for two Premier League sides.
It did not seem an unreasonable amount for a Brazil under-23 midfielder who had been handpicked by former boss Marcelo Bielsa.
This season Maia has run into difficulty, and both Newcastle and West Ham may fancy their chances of a cut price January deal.
He is out of favour at Lille and has made only two starts this season in Ligue 1, with a further six appearances from the bench.
In the last two games he has been an unused substitute.
This is the chance for West Ham or Newcastle to buy low on the 21-year-old defensive midfielder.
He appears primed for a potential move if a tempting bid is submitted to Lille, who sit in a surprisingly high third place.
This is the reason Maia has struggled. Lille are succeeding without him.
The French side could put the funds gained from selling him into a player who they would consider a first team starter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
