Newcastle set to land West Ham target Achraf Lazaar
Newcastle are poised to beat West Ham to the signing of Palermo left-back Achraf Lazaar, according to the Chronicle.
The Hammers have made a £2.5m bid for the Moroccan defender, which is below Palermo’s asking price but it’s understood that they are prepared to accept the offer.
With only one-year left on his contract, Lazaar has also been linked with the likes of Marseille and AS Roma but the Hammers are closing in on his signature.
West Ham have already signed 22-year-old Frenchman Arthur Masuaku from Olympiakos in a £6.2m deal this summer but remain interested in signing another fullback.
Capped 14 times by Morocco, the 24-year-old is a left-back by trade but was frequently played at left midfield by his Serie A employers last season.
Despite having already agreed a three-year contract worth £900k-a-year with Lazaar, the deal has stalled allowing the likes of Newcastle to make their move.
The Toon have offered a five-year contract to the defender after having a €3.5m bid accepted by the Serie A side.