West Ham target £9m 'big talent' as long-term Declan Rice replacement

West Ham could turn to the Championship in the search for a central midfielder with a new report claiming that Julen Lopetegui could make a move for Watford star Ismael Kone.

The Hammers are facing a summer of transition as the former Wolves boss takes over from David Moyes. The London club has already added rising star Luis Guilherme to the ranks and are frontrunners to reunite Max Kilman with Lopetegui in a £45 million deal.

The central midfield role is another that is believed to be a priority for West Ham. The club sold linchpin Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million last summer and are still looking for the perfect replacement in that role.

Edson Alvarez came in from Ajax for £35 million and impressed last season, but has now been linked with a move away with Manchester United interested. Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips also came in on loan in January but that underwhelming stint won't lead to a permanent deal being explored.

Instead, according to The Athletic, West Ham are looking at Hornets man Ismael Kone. The 22-year-old, who made 42 Championship appearances last term, signed for the Hertfordshire side from CF Montreal in December 2022 for £8 million.

Transfermarkt now value the player at £9 million as he grows in stature at Vicarage Road. Speaking about his potential in February, former Hornets boss Valerian Ismael said: "He's a young player with big talent and big potential. He's a big asset for the club. He's got the potential and has shown some great performances.

"It's about going again and again, making sure you stay at that level and help us perform as the best player we can pick. If you're doing that, you give yourself the best place to compete in a game."

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Kone scored four goals and registered three assists from midfield last term, regularly deployed in central midfield or attacking midfield. For his national side of Canada, he often plays in defensive midfield, his versatility a potential asset for West Ham.

Kone is currently impressing on international duty for Canada, catching the eye against France and the Netherlands in friendlies this month.