By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

13th Oct, 2023 | 1:00pm

Sources: West Ham could accept £25m Kurt Zouma offer

A bid of between £25-30million could land West Ham captain Kurt Zouma as Saudi Pro League sides step up their interest in the defender, sources have told Football Insider.

He was named as Declan Rice’s replacement in the skipper role by David Moyes at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign and the manager does not want to lose him.

Zouma penned a four-year contract at the London Stadium when he joined West Ham in 2021.

That deal will have just 18 months left to run when the January window opens.

Zouma’s 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 as they aim to grow the profile of their domestic league.

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

The 28-year-old 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.

Zouma has built a formidable partnership with 2022 arrival Nayef Aguerd at the heart of Moyes’ defence.

Football Insider revealed last month (4 September) that Aguerd was also targetted by Saudi clubs – with Al-Ittihad interested in a move for the Morocco international.

But it is believed West Ham were unwilling to let the centre-back depart in an out-of-window deal.

Zouma, who has also played in the Premier League for Stoke, Chelsea and Everton, has racked up 72 appearances for the Irons.

He turned out 32 times across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign as Moyes’ side won the Europa Conference League.

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