West Ham United are interested in signing Hertha BSC attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The Hammers want to bolster their squad following an underwhelming start to the season, and the 18-year-old has emerged as a transfer target following his impressive displays in the 2. Bundesliga.
Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford, Fulham, Leicester City and Newcastle United are also keen on him.
The German-born teenage sensation is on the radar of some Bundesliga clubs, and he is expected to leave Hertha if they fail to secure promotion back to the German top flight.
Maza has bagged four goals and two assists in 14 games across all competitions this term, with his ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations one of his key strengths.
West Ham must improve significantly during the second half of the campaign, but it is hard to see Hertha selling Maza midway through the season.
Maza could cost around €20 million or slightly less, and Hammers technical director Tim Steidten could look to use his contacts back home to get a deal done.
Competition to sign the Algeria international is bound to increase at the end of the season if Hertha do not earn promotion, and West Ham may need to secure European football to boost their chances.
Manager Julen Lopetegui is under pressure and could lose his job if nothing changes when Premier League action resumes after the international break later this month.
The London Stadium club are currently 14th in the table after three wins, three draws and five defeats, with just five points between them and the relegation zone.
