West Ham United reportedly make an official move to sign Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
West Ham United have reportedly started negotiations with Manchester United regarding the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Hammers are attempting to be proactive in the summer transfer window to deliver a squad that is capable of earning a return to Europe with Julen Lopetegui in charge.
Defender Max Kilman and winger Luis Guilherme have been acquired from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Palmeiras respectively, those deals costing in the region of £65m.
However, Lopetegui is known to be keen for another right-back and central-forward, both areas taking equal priority at the present time.
Last week, West Ham had felt that they were closing in on the addition of Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui, only for talks to break down.
© Reuters
West Ham up Wan-Bissaka
Reports soon emerged that Man United had become the frontrunners to sign the Morocco international and it has since been suggested that a fee has been agreed with their German counterparts.
As such, United would prefer to cash in on Wan-Bissaka as soon as possible, with the former Crystal Palace man having entered the final year of his contract.
According to Sky Sports News, West Ham have made their move for the 26-year-old as they look to make up for the disappointment of missing out on Mazraoui.
United’s valuation of Wan-Bissaka is allegedly set in the region of £15m, something which West Ham hope to lower during the aforementioned discussions.
Although it has been claimed in the past that a return to London is Wan-Bissaka’s preference, the player is said to want to assess his options.
© Reuters
Lopetegui a long-term admirer
Lopetegui has been a fan of Wan-Bissaka for some time, initially wanting to sign him for Wolverhampton Wanderers during the January transfer window in 2023.
While that transfer did not materialise, interest seemingly remains, and Wan-Bissaka is being sought to compete with Vladimir Coufal.
The player has also been linked with a move to Inter Milan, although it is unclear whether the Italian giants would be prepared to out-bid West Ham for a player who would only be backup to Denzel Dumfries, providing that the Dutchman stays at San Siro.