By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

17th Aug, 2023 | 4:22pm

Sources: Mohammed Kudus stance on joining West Ham revealed after £35m twist

Ajax winger Mohammed Kudus is keen to join West Ham this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Dutch club this summer, with the Hammers leading the chase to sign him.

Kudus was close to joining Brighton in a £35million deal earlier this summer, but the move reportedly collapsed due to his request for a release clause.

West Ham have stepped up their pursuit of Kudus in recent days, and Football Insider understands that the Ghana international is eager to join the Premier League side.

David Moyes has already added James Ward-Prowse and Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez to his squad this summer, and the Irons boss could return to the Netherlands club to negotiate a deal for Kudus.

The Hammers’ transfer budget has been boosted by the £105million sale of Declan Rice earlier this summer, while Manchester City continue to show interest in Lucas Paqueta.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (15 August) that City are preparing an offer of more than £80million to sign the Brazilian playmaker.

Kudus has already started the 2023/24 campaign in fine form after scoring in Ajax’s 4-1 win over Heracles on Saturday.

He proved to be a reliable source of goals for the Dutch side last season too, scoring 18 across all competitions, including four times in the Champions League.

Kudus has spent four years with Ajax after joining them on a five-year contract in 2020 from Danish side Nordsjaelland.

In other news, £55m West Ham loan update as paperwork filed