West Ham press ahead with Mohammed Kudus transfer to minimise Chelsea hijack risk

West Ham are pressing to conclude the signing of Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus as they seek to minimise the risk of a potential hijack from Chelsea. Good progress has already been made on the deal with technical director Tim Steidten driving negotiations and the German is understood to have flown to Holland on Thursday to try and thrash out an agreement.

Relations are smooth between the two clubs following West Ham’s recent acquisition of Mexican defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez, who joined the Irons in a package worth £32million.

Kudus is expected to cost slightly more than that figure and still, West Ham would have to agree personal terms with the Ghanaian – something Brighton failed to achieve despite seeing a proposal accepted by Ajax.

West Ham view Kudus as the ideal replacement for Lucas Paqueta but their interest is not solely independent of the Brazilian’s potential departure to Manchester City.

City are ready to launch a second offer for Paqueta, who is pushing for a move to the Etihad Stadium, with West Ham still determined to hold out for £85m.

David Moyes recently confirmed that City’s opening bid was nowhere near what would be required to consider a sale despite his desire to keep the former Lyon playmaker.

The Hammers are not short of cash and they’re now working to tie up an agreement with Ajax for Kudus – a player that remains of firm interest to Chelsea.

The Blues have already discussed personal terms with Kudus and his representatives but they are yet to make formal contact with Ajax over a potential deal.

Yet that could now change after Michael Olise decided to sign a new four-year contract with Crystal Palace, snubbing a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had formally triggered his £35m buy-out clause earlier this week but Palace informed their lawyers that they were prepared to file a legal complaint against the Blues for tapping up – meaning Mauricio Pochettino’s side were forced to stand down in their quest to land the 21-year-old Frenchman.

Palace have since announced that Olise has committed his long-term future to the club, meaning Chelsea are now already working on deals for a cluster of other forward targets.

One of those is Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson – also admired by West Ham – with Steve Cooper’s side still reluctant to sell, particularly now the 2023/24 Premier League season is underway.

Brentford have already seen multiple bids rejected by Forest for Johnson – the latest of which was worth a club-record £35m.

Chelsea and West Ham are also battling Eintracht Frankfurt for the signing of Montpellier forward Elye Wahi.

The Blues have seen a verbal proposal rejected for the Frenchman but West Ham look ready to enter the bidding, although their interest could be dictated by the future of Kudus.

Ajax are looking for around £35m to sell their versatile forward, who can operate both centrally as a false-nine and out on the right flank.

The Dutch giants are prepared to target Manchester City youngster James McAtee as a potential replacement for Kudus should his departure materialise.