By Wayne Veysey

22nd Aug, 2023 | 8:07am

Late-night talks: Big update on Man City's swoop for Doku after West Ham twist - sources

West Ham have submitted a bid for Rennes winger Jeremy Doku but he is close to joining Man City, sources have told Football Insider.

The Premier League champions are accelerating on a deal for the 21-year-old as they look to replace Riyad Mahrez in the right-sided attacking role.

Football Insider has been told that West Ham had a bid rejected by Rennes for Doku earlier this month and the London club have not followed that up with a new offer.

City are in pole position to clinch a deal for Doku and talks were held on Monday night as they look to secure a full agreement.

The Premier League champions want a new wide forward to replace Riyad Mahrez. This comes after their Lucas Paqueta move collapsed and another top target Michael Olise opted to sign a new Crystal Palace contract.

Doku has already scored in his first two games for Rennes this season and scored six last term in Ligue 1.

The Belgium international is rated as a wide forward of huge potential by City and he is said to have excited their scouts and recruitment team with his ability to open up defences.

He was valued at around the £26m mark by Rennes just weeks ago but his asking price has now rocketed to £47m amid growing interest.

The 21-year-old’s current contract runs until 2025 following his arrival from Anderlecht in 2020 after coming through the ranks in Belgium.

In other news, Man City now turn attention to signing ‘next Martin Odegaard’.