West Ham United face a battle to sign Le Havre centre-back Harold Moukoudi after Premier League rivals Burnley joined the hunt, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report that West Ham are still engaged in discussions with the Ligue 2 side, but demands over a hefty sell-on fee have allowed Burnley to enter the fray.
The Mail claim that Burnley are seeking defensive cover despite the recent signing of Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough, with Clarets stalwart Ben Mee yet to sign a new deal.
The 20-year-old colossus, who stands at 6ft 3in [Transfermarkt], is a France Under-20 international.
OPINION
It had looked like West Ham were closing in on a deal for Moukoudi, 20, with Sky Sports reporting that a deal was close over the weekend. However, it seems that Le Havre’s demands to include a sell-on clause have seen talks stall somewhat, with Burnley now showing interest in the Frenchman. It is understandable that Le Havre would like such an option included in the deal, with Moukoudi having the potential to go on and become a top player in the coming years. The Clarets’ interest will come as a blow to West Ham, but Manuel Pellegrini will still be confident he can pull off a deal. It is interesting that the Chilean is still looking to reinforce his defence following the acquisitions of Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena, but Winston Reid’s ongoing injury problems may have forced his hand, while his intentions of playing Declan Rice in midfield may also be a factor.
