‘They’re still deciding’: West Ham could make another move to sign Pogba-like central midfielder – journalist

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West Ham are weighing up a third offer for LOSC Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The Hammers have already made three signings so far this summer and have signed midfielder Flynn Downes from Swansea City for a fee worth around £12 million (BBC). But West Ham boss David Moyes is reportedly keen to bolster his midfield options further.

Speaking on Sky Sports News today, Dharmesh Sheth revealed that the club have already had two bids rejected for Onana but are weighing up making a third offer to the French club.

He said: “We know that West Ham United have made two bids now for the Lille midfielder Amadou Onana and though they have both been rejected, they do have other targets. 

“But they’re still deciding whether to go back in with that third offer as far as Onanana is concerned.”

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough year at Lille last season after joining from German outfit Hamburger SV in the previous summer window.

Onana made 42 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring three goals and assisting once. He mainly operates as a deeper-lying midfielder and put in some promising displays in the Champions League for the French team.

A £20 million bid from the East London club was reportedly shot down last week and Onana has even attracted interest from Arsenal.

At just 20, Onana was handed his first International cap last month as former Everton boss Roberto Martinez handed him his debut in the UEFA Nations League.

Onana once revealed that people often compare him to World Cup winner Paul Pogba and said his compatriot inspires him.

He previously told Foot Mercato: “Yes, I am often compared to him. Pogba inspires me on a daily basis. He is a physical, technical player, with a real intelligence of the game. I think he is an exceptional player.”

TBR’s View: West Ham will need a deeper squad this season

Moyes and his West Ham team went to newly discovered territory for the club last season as they reached the Europa League semi-finals. But Moyes struggled to compete in both the Premier League on top of the historic run in Europe due to having a small squad.

If the Hammers want to go one better this season and try to win the Europa Conference League, while maintaining decent Premier League form, Moyes will need a much bigger squad at his disposal.

And despite already having Downes, Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek as midfield options, Onana would get plenty of opportunities in a season that will be packed with fixtures.