West Ham United are “definitely interested” in signing Lille and Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana, according to Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports.

David Moyes’ side are looking to strengthen the midfield and strike force at the London Stadium this summer.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

What’s the latest on Onana?

According to Sky Sports West Ham are still awaiting a response from Lille with the east London side thought to have bid £32.3m for Onana, in what is reported to be their third offer for the midfielder.

The same news outlet reported that the Irons’ last bid for the midfielder was thought to be worth around £25m, with the Ligue 1 side reportedly holding out for a £50m offer for their 20-year-old midfielder.

But West Ham fans will be concerned at the news that Liverpool also have a reported interest in one-time Belgium international according to The Athletic, suggesting that it’s not just a one horse race for Lille man’s signature.

And Sheth believes that Lille could be holding out for other clubs to make higher bids for Onana, but says that the Irons still hold an interest in the midfielder.

What has Sheth said about Onana?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I just wonder whether Lille are trying to fish out other clubs who might be interested in Onana as well, but West Ham are definitely interested.

“It's another priority position for them.  

“The strike force and central midfield are two of the areas that they really wanted to strengthen.”

Would Onana be a good signing for West Ham?

Onana would seem to be a brilliant signing for the Irons, with both age and physicality on his side, with the midfielder coming in at 6 foot 5 in size.

The former Hamburg man made 42 appearances for Lille last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist, according to Transfermarkt.

Onana does an effective job in defensive midfield, and is eager to help out the defence behind him, as shown by the fact he ranked in the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for tackles per 90 minutes last season (3.45), according to FBref.

The 20-year-old can also be a bit of a goal threat, ranking in the top 12% of midfielders for non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes (0.14) according to the same stats provider.

There is no doubt that West Ham could do with some more bodies in midfield, with Declan Rice and Tomáš Souček currently being their only senior options in this position, and Onana’s age and potential means that he could be the perfect addition at the London Stadium this summer.