West Ham United have now cooled their interest in Attila Szalai whilst exploring a deal for Spezia star Jakub Kiwior, after struggling to agree terms with Fenerbahce for the defender.
West Ham cool interest in Attila Szalai after Fenerbahce refuse to give discount
According to FotoMac, West Ham United are seeking alternative targets to improve David Moyes’ defence after Fenerbache refused to offer a discount on Attila Szalai. The Irons had sought talks with his Super Lig outfit, but the Yellow Canaries will not let him depart easily.
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Szalai has been on West Ham’s radar for a while, with the London Stadium natives also the most interested suitor. Many clubs have appreciated the 24-year-old’s potential, but it has been the Hammers to make the most substantial efforts to gain his signature this summer.
Yet Fenerbache’s reluctance to lower their valuation has seen West Ham put their interest on the back-burner for now. And FotoMac believe Moyes has, at least temporarily, shelved plans to sign the 27-cap Hungary defender as Irons chiefs explore a move for Jakub Kiwior.
Reports by Gianluca Di Marzio have identified Kiwior as one of West Ham’s latest targets in response to their defensive injury crisis. Nayef Aguerd needed ankle surgery shortly after a £30m move from Stade Rennais, alongside issues for Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson.
David Moyes had submitted offer to sign Attia Szalai this summer
West Ham had made Fenerbahce an offer for Szalai whilst negotiating their interest in the centre-half moving to England. The Express reported the Hammers put a bid on the table, following previous reports by the Express citing an asking price of around £10m to £15m.
Now, though, attentions have moved to securing a transfer with Spezia for Kiwior, reports Gianluca Di Marzio. The Irons have a strong appreciation of the 22-year-old Poland centre-back. So much so that a €12m (£10m) offer was submitted late this week to rival AC Milan.
Spezia are considering whether or not to accept West Ham’s approach, while Kiwior is also uncertain on accepting the transfer. The two-cap international is determined to play at the World Cup in Qatar this year, so would prefer to stay and play regularly with the Aquilotti.
Moyes identified Szalai as a target, given his performances with Fenerbahce and Hungary, before West Ham explored their interest in Kiwior. So, the Yellow Canaries enforcer could remain a topic of debate at the London Stadium while the Scot improves his defensive line.
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