West Ham United have opened negotiations with Bayern Munich regarding a move for Noussair Mazraoui, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg,
The 26-year-old defender has been placed on the transfer list, and West Ham are looking to beat Manchester United in the race for his signature.
Bayern have set their asking price at £17 million, and Mazraoui is reportedly keen to leave the Allianz Arena this summer.
The Morocco international has two years left on his contract with the Bundesliga heavyweights and is not interested in leaving the club on a loan deal.
Bayern also want to remove him from their wage bill. They will listen to loan offers, but only if they include a mandatory purchase option.
Man United are interested in Mazraoui, but they must get rid of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is also subject to interest from West Ham.
The Hammers have also been linked with a move for Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, but they’ve prioritised a move for Mazraoui.
Mazraoui is a decent target, but Wan-Bissaka is a better option
Mazraoui featured 29 times across all competitions last season, contributing four assists.
Although he only started in 15 of his 19 Bundesliga outings, he created five big chances, helped keep six clean sheets and won 62% of his ground duels.
The Moroccan would be a decent signing for West Ham, but they should be prioritising a move for Wan-Bissaka.
Mazraoui offers plenty of attacking threat, but Wan-Bissaka is more assured defensively.
Considering the appalling number of goals West Ham conceded last season, his particular skill set will help strengthen the defence.
Both players are injury-prone, but Wan-Bissaka’s Premier League experience makes him a better option.
United are demanding at least £10m for the former Crystal Palace ace, making him a cost-effective alternative to Mazraoui.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
