OPINION
West Ham are reportedly in talks with Lorient striker Abdul Waris Majeed as they look to replace Diafra Sakho.
Sky Sports transfer expert Kaveh Solhekol revealed on his personal Twitter account that the Hammers are set to sell Sakho to Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, who has just passed a medical with the French side.
It has seen Slaven Bilic act quickly, with Solhekol also claiming that 25-year-old speed machine Majeed is currently in London for talks with the east London outfit as one of several options to replace Senegal international Sakho.
West Ham forward Diafra Sakho has just passed Rennes medical. £9m deal agreed
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 30, 2017
West Ham in talks to sign Lorient striker Abdul Majeed Waris. He's in London now. One of several options as replacement for Diafra Sakho
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 30, 2017
The Daily Mail claimed last week that the Hammers were one of six clubs looking to sign the £12million-rated forward, with West Brom, Burnley, Brighton, Fulham and Celtic all said to have held an interest.
But the Hammers look to have stolen a march on their rivals as they aim to replace the imminent loss of Sakho before the end of the summer transfer window.
Good move for West Ham?
A very similar type of forward to Sakho, Majeed boasts bags of speed and quality on the ball as well as offering the versatility to play out wide and as a centre-forward.
Starring in Lorient’s fight against relegation last season, Majeed scored an impressive 11 goals and laid on four assists from the left flank but failed to keep his side in the top tier of French football.
Now likely to be looking for a move after failing to feature in any of Lorient’s seven league and cup outings this season, the 25-time Ghana international possesses the attacking tenacity needed to reinvigorate the Hammers.
Although he is reportedly worth £12million, Majeed would be a top signing at the London Stadium as Bilic looks to get his side firing once again.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
Despite having plenty of interest from the Premier League, Championship and even Celtic, West Ham seem to be in pole position with Majeed currently in London for talks with the Hammers.
West Ham need a replacement for Sakho and will have money to spend with the Sun claiming in an exclusive that Sakho is leaving to join Rennes for £9million.
That would see the Hammers only have to use £3million of their own money for luring a better player than Sakho to the London Stadium.
The only stumbling block is whether the Hammers can get both deals over the line in time, but things seem to be progressing nicely.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.