Report: West Ham have £10m bid rejected for powerhouse Euro 2020 ace, £17m needed

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham United have seen a £10million bid rejected by Fenerbahce for powerhouse defender Attila Szalai, according to Sabah. The report claims that Fener – who are without a manager – have knocked back the offer. It is reported that West Ham will have to cough up another £7million to get him.

Left-footed centre-back Szalai, 23, only joined Fener from Cypriot side Apollon Limassol in January. But after impressing in 22 appearances for Fener, he was installed as a starter for Hungary at Euro 2020. In the group of death, Szalai was excellent as the minnows almost sprung a surprise.

It is claimed that West Ham have made an offer of £10million to sign Szalai, which would see Fenerbahce make an instant profit of around £8million. But Ali Koc, Fenerbahce’s president, is renowned for being a tough negotiator. He wants £17million for Hungary star Szalai to depart.

Szalai would be a stunning signing for West Ham – even at £17m

On the face of it, West Ham do not need another centre-back. They have Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna, and Issa Diop. Aaron Cresswell has played on the left of a three and Declan Rice can drop in. But delve deeper, and they need a central defender.

Europa League participation requires depth. Playing three at the back means four options is not enough. Fabian Balbuena has left and Diop is being linked with the exit door. Ogbonna is now 33. So, a left-footed centre-back in Szalai would be a brilliant addition.