West Ham United could be set to move for one of the World Cup’s breakout stars…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to The Mail, who claimed that the performances of Azzedine Ounahi in Qatar have led to his reported £40m price tag.

His club Angers remain unwilling to part with him for any less than that, with interest from the Hammers, along with Premier League rivals Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, sure to drum up a substantial fee.

However, GSB hold reservations given the supposed gulf in quality between his performances for club and country.

The next step

Having finished in the European spots for the last two seasons, it is clear that David Moyes is looking for ways to continue bridging the gap between his team and the traditional ‘top six’.

The manager’s vast summer overhaul saw an expenditure of £158m, yet their current position of 16th will surely worry him. In order to turn the tide, he needs quality and depth in all areas, and central midfield has been lacking.

Declan Rice has been West Ham’s star man for many years now, shouldering the majority of the defensive burden in the engine room. However, his recent comments suggest that his ambitions might have outgrown the London Stadium.

Moyes will duly need to make a statement of intent in January, and spending £40m to give the captain this partner could be integral in taking that next step.

Such is Ounahi’s pedigree that Ray Parlour touted him for a move to Arsenal as he told talkSPORT (via Daily Mail): “Ounahi, the No.8, he is different class. Would I take him at Arsenal? Definitely!”

His displays alongside Sofyan Amrabat for Morocco have captured the imagination, with the perfect blend of defensive steel and attacking impetus once the ball has been reclaimed. 

The 22-year-old has recorded a 6.97 average rating across the tournament, recording 0.9 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.3 tackles per game (via Sofascore). Even Jose Mourinho felt implored to praise the midfielder, labelling him “absolutely incredible”.

Although Ounahi’s average rating may be lower for his club, he arguably offers slightly more as his shots per game average increases to 1.6 and his key passes average is 1.2 per match.

For West Ham to place this beside their sensational captain who can also create and defend could be the catalyst for a sustained push for the Champions League places.