By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

14th Oct, 2023 | 10:00am

Sources: West Ham can't afford to give Kurt Zouma the bumper pay rise he wants

West Ham would love to hand Kurt Zouma a new deal to end speculation over a potential move to Saudi Arabia, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (13 October) that a bid of between £25-30million could land the West Ham captain as his contract ticks into its final 18 months.

But the Irons could protect his value by handing him a new deal to reflect his new status as skipper.

Zouma is already one of the highest earners at the London Stadium, and it is believed the club are not set to hand him a bumper extension.

However, the defender could see his long-term future made secure with a multi-year agreement and a modest increase in wages.

According to FBRef, Zouma currently earns a weekly wage of £125,000 – but that deal will end in June 2025.

He has made eight starts in the English top flight this term, playing 90 minutes in each game and netting one goal.

The ex-France international has been rested for both Europa League group-stage games and was omitted from the squad as West Ham beat Lincoln in the League Cup.

His good form in an Irons shirt has reportedly attracted interest in Saudi Arabia, who have spent big money on Premier League stars in the last year.

Zouma has racked up 72 total appearances for West Ham since joining from Chelsea in 2021.

He is vastly experienced in the Premier League, having also played for Everton and Stoke in the top flight.

The 28-year-old cost a reported fee of almost £30million.

In other news, West Ham agree deal with sensation after breakthrough in talks.