Layvin Kurzawa still has a ‘slim chance’ of leaving Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day, but West Ham United must clear space in their squad in order to sign the left-back.
That’s according to Le Parisien, who report Kurzawa could have to wait until the final hours of the market to move. PSG are open to the Frenchman’s departure, having fallen seriously out of favour this season. But the 29-year-old is not currently on the verge of departing.
West Ham hold a strong interest in a last-ditch deal for Kurzawa as David Moyes strives to strengthen his defence. But the depth already available throughout the Hammers’ squad is blocking the full-back’s path from Paris to London at present.
Kurzawa has sought a move away from Le Parc des Princes this month having only featured once so far this season. Mauricio Pochettino afforded the 13-cap international a brief nine-minute cameo in the late stages of their Trophee des Champions defeat to Lille in August.
Pochettino has additionally left Kurzawa out of PSG’s last 21 Ligue 1 matchday squads. The Argentine only included the full-back on the bench during their opening day win at Troyes.
So, Foot Mercato have reported since December that Kurzawa has pushed to leave Paris Saint-Germain amid transfer interest from West Ham. The French publication also noted earlier in January that the Irons contacted PSG to discuss the €23m (£19m) star’s situation.
Kurzawa can offer West Ham defensive freedom with late transfer from PSG
Kurzawa would offer Moyes further defensive support if West Ham overcome the obstacles blocking a transfer with Paris Saint-Germain. The Scot has so far relied on natural right-back Ben Johnson to cover at left-back when without Aaron Cresswell.
Arthur Masuaku has also featured in the position, but offers the Irons more in attack than in defence. It is also due to his defensive susceptibility that Moyes prefers utilising the DR Congo international in a wing-back role over a strict full-back position like Cresswell.
Adding another left-back like Kurzawa would also free West Ham to use Cresswell centrally if needed. Moyes only has three senior centre-halves in Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop with Angelo Ogbonna injured.
Yet Diop is also subject to late interest, with RMC Sport reporting Newcastle have lodged a bid worth €8m (£6.5m). However, the French centre-half leaving east London is unlikely.
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