By Wayne Veysey

22nd Aug, 2023 | 8:04am

West Ham to increase Mohammed Kudus offer after new talks - sources

West Ham are set to increase their offer for Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus as they look to get a deal over the line in the next 48 hours, sources have told Football Insider.

The Irons have held extensive talks with their Dutch counterparts over a deal for the 23-year-old and have had a bid of £40m knocked back.

Ajax are holding out for a £44m fee for their prize asset, who has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League club.

West Ham will now submit an improved offer for the player that will include increased add-ons payments in order to secure a full agreement.

They have so far proved a sticking point in negotiations.

Nevertheless, the Londoners are increasingly confident of agreeing a deal for one of their top summer targets.

Hammers technical director Tim Steidten was in Amsterdam last week trying to complete a deal for the Ghana international.

Kudus is believed to be keen to move to the Premier League after previous moves fell through late on.

Kudus came close to a move to a Serie A club and has been on the radar of multiple leading English clubs this summer, including Chelsea and Brighton. 

The Seagulls reportedly agreed a £35million fee for Kudus earlier this summer but failed to complete the signing after a dispute over the involvement of a release clause in his contract.

The Ajax star has got off to a brilliant start in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring in the opening weekend fixture against Heracles last weekend and assisting in a 2-2 draw with Excelsior on Saturday (19 August).

He has proven to be a reliable source of goals for the Dutch side after scoring 18 in 42 total appearances for Ajax last season.

In other news, Fulham make concrete move to sign PL star after West Ham mega bid