West Ham eyeing double swoop to fix midfield conundrum

West Ham United are working on a double swoop to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.

A move for Soungoutou Magassa is nearing completion, while an approach has been made to Nottingham Forest for Ibrahim Sangare.

Magassa’s move from AS Monaco to West Ham is all but done after the clubs recently agreed a €20 million deal.

The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed across the last two seasons in Ligue 1, showcasing versatility by operating as a midfielder and occasionally as a centre-back.

Magassa is known for his physicality, passing range and work rate, qualities West Ham desperately need after a challenging start to the Premier League season.

West Ham are also actively pursuing Sangare.

The 27-year-old Ivorian has been the subject of a loan proposal, with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, as West Ham look to add defensive steel and dynamism to their midfield core.

Both targets reflect West Ham’s pressing issues in midfield after conceding eight goals in their opening two league matches against Sunderland and Chelsea.

They were thoroughly outplayed last time out, and it is no surprise that manager Graham Potter has prioritised strengthening the midfield as the transfer window enters its final phase.

West Ham also want more creativity in the centre of the pitch, but are currently faced with budgetary constraints.

While they managed to get Edson Alvarez’s wages off the books, the Hammers were unable to secure a permanent exit for him, which would have brought in some funds.

However, Guido Rodriguez has also been placed on the transfer market, and his departure could provide financial leeway to do some much-needed business.