West Ham today made an enquiry into possibly signing Rennes winger Paul Georges Ntep as a replacement for Stewart Downing, claims the Daily Mail.
The 22-year-old signed for Rennes from fellow French side Auxerre 18 months ago, which has seen him develop his game further, and has now broken into the French national team, earning his first two caps this summer.
The tricky winger scored nine goals and recorded seven assists in 35 Ligue 1 appearances last season, and has also been linked with moves to Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool in recent weeks.
The Daily Mail report that Slaven Bilic has been rebuffed in his attempts to sign Ntep this summer, as Rennes have no interest in selling the £12m-rated winger.
Ntep would be the ideal replacement for Stewart Downing, as the 30-year-old England international winger edges closer for a return to first club Middlesbrough.
West Ham have also opened talks with AS Roma about taking Seydou Doumbia on loan next season, while a loan move for Al Jazira playmaker Manuel Lanzini is also close to completion.
