‘West Ham respond to Soungoutou Magassa interest’, January transfer plan revealed
Soungoutou Magassa is attracting interest in a potential move away from West Ham just months after his arrival from Monaco in the summer.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that West Ham are not prepared to entertain offers in January.
The defensive midfielder has started just five games so far this season, but all of those have come under Nuno Espirito Santo as his role in the side continues to grow.
West Ham have long struggled with issues in midfield, but there is a growing feeling that he could be the long-term answer to their prayers, and he remains highly rated.
Napoli are among the clubs to have been linked with a January move for Magassa, but Nuno has no intentions of letting the midfielder leave due to his role in his plans.
West Ham respond to Soungoutou Magassa interest
Frankfurt attempted to hijack West Ham’s bid for Magassa in the summer, and while their move proved unsuccessful, interest from top European sides has lingered.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the midfielder remains a big part of Nuno’s squad and plans for the future.
“It will be up to Nuno to decide the player’s future,” he told Football Insider.
“He played in their game against Villa, and by all accounts he is part of their plans for the future, so it would surprise me if they let him go.
“In my judgement, West Ham’s biggest problem for a couple years has been the lack of aggression in midfield and players who can make interceptions and win tackles.
“They’ve got better at that since Nuno has come in, and since Magassa has come into the midfield.
“He gives them a bit of something they lacked before, which is why the manager likes him.
“He hasn’t been there long, he’s only young, and he’s already showing promising signs that he could be an important player for West Ham now and in the future.
“I’m not surprised there is interest in him, but I don’t think West Ham will be ready to let him go.”
West Ham set sights on new striker in January
While talk continues surrounding potential departures from the London Stadium, Nuno is setting his sights on improvements for his squad in January.
Brown told Football Insider on 14 December that West Ham are working to identify strikers who could bolster their options in attack.
Concerns about Callum Wilson‘s fitness and Niclas Fullkrug‘s long-term future at the club have forced them to assess a number of options in the market.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 15 December that West Ham scouts are watching Norwich’s Josh Sargent and have been impressed by what they’ve seen.
The U.S.A international has scored six goals and provided three assists in 20 Championship games this season, following last term’s tally of 15 goals in 32 appearances.
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