West Ham United will look to complete a deal for Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus even if Lucas Paqueta remains at the club beyond this summer.
The Evening Standard claims Hammers manager David Moyes has been eager to reinforce his attacking options before interest in Paqueta developed.
Manchester City have ramped up their efforts to sign the Brazilian midfielder despite seeing an initial £60 million offer rejected.
Paqueta arrived at London Stadium last summer in a club record £51m deal from Olympique Lyon, making the Hammers reluctant to part ways so soon.
However, there is an understanding that they will struggle to hang on to the midfielder, who has expressed a desire to leave after 12 months in London.
Man City remain determined to land his signature and are preparing to make an improved proposal.
West Ham want to get the highest fee possible for Paqueta, and there have been reports that they see Kudus as a replacement.
However, the Hammers are now expected to launch a bid to sign the Ghanaian midfielder even if Paqueta’s purported move to the Etihad Stadium falls through.
Kudus is capable of featuring in several positions, including central midfield and as a right winger, although he did most of his damage for Ajax as a centre forward.
Moyes has discussed the prospect of using Jarrod Bowen as a central striker this season which could see Kudus deployed on the right wing.
West Ham have made their interest in Kudus known to Ajax, but no official proposals have been submitted yet.
Kudus is already off to a flyer with the Dutch giants this season. He played 90 minutes and scored in their 4-1 victory over Heracles last weekend.
