West Ham United have long been linked with the French right-back.
As reported by French website madeindogues.com, Lille have made the first move for West Ham United target Kevin Malcuit.
The report – citing French journalist Gilles Favard – claims the Ligue 1 side have made an opening bid of around £6.1million for the full-back who possesses lighting pace and would go down a storm at the London Stadium.
The report claims West Ham remain interested in the 25-year-old, but with Lille showing their hand it remains to be seen if the Hammers will enter the bidding this month or look elsewhere.
West Ham need a new right-back with Sam Byram hit-and-miss so far
They would be foolish not to bid, with the Saint-Etienne defender representing a real a bargain for whoever is lucky enough to secure his signature.
Malcuit proved in last season’s Europa League matches against Manchester United that he has what it takes to compete with top English opposition, and considering West Ham’s lack of quality options at right-back, a move seems a no-brainer.
A report earlier this year from Sky Sports claimed West Ham were prepared to bid £10million for Malcuit, so Lille’s opening offer should not intimidate them.
The question is, will Slaven Bilic go straight in with his best offer in an attempt to ward off the competition or knock a few million off his initial valuation in a bid to get an even better deal.
Malcuit has featured 46 times for Saint-Etienne to date and he could be one of the bargains of the summer if he arrives at the Hammers before the close of business.
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