West Ham were dealt an early 2021 blow as London rivals Chelsea were touted as potential suitors for Hammers target Mohamed Simakan according to French outlet Le 10 Sport.
David Moyes was reportedly keen to bring the 20-year-old Strasbourg centre-back to the London Stadium in the summer but could now face competition for his signature.
The report claims Frank Lampard’s side have made contact with the Ligue 1 side about a potential £13.5 million deal for the talented French youngster.
Moyes was scrambling to find defensive reinforcements during the summer and Simakan was one of the many names linked with an east London arrival.
The Scottish manager did eventually land Craig Dawson on a season-long loan deal, although only last week did the Watford man make his Premier League bow for the Irons.
Simakan has been outstanding this season for Strasbourg and as such has been an ever-present domestically – averaging 6.99 with Sofascore as well as averaging 1.8 tackles per match (Who Scored).
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Plucking the pick of the talent from the cash-strapped French league at the moment is a wise play indeed, unfortunately, a situation both West Ham and Chelsea are looking to exploit.
One advantage the Hammers hold over their cross-city rivals is the lure of almost immediate first-team action, a facet Simakan has already been exposed to and may be keen not to relinquish.
Although Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna have performed admirably this season, there is definitely scope for the French youngster to force his way in.
