MX23RW : Sunday, February 16 12:36:57| >> :120:9765:9765:

Ajax 'reject improved offer from West Ham United for Mohammed Kudus'

Ajax 'reject improved offer from West Ham for Kudus'
© Reuters
West Ham United reportedly see an improved bid of €42m (£35.8m) for attacker Mohammed Kudus turned down by Ajax.

West Ham United have reportedly seen an improved bid for attacker Mohammed Kudus turned down by Ajax.

David Moyes is in the market for attacking reinforcements and Ghana international Kudus has emerged as one of his primary targets heading into the final 10 days of the summer transfer window.

Hammers technical director Tim Steidten allegedly made the trip to the Netherlands last week to hold discussions with Ajax chiefs over a big-money move for the 23-year-old.

However, the Europa Conference League winners are said to have failed with an opening offer for Kudus as it fell well below Ajax's asking price.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ajax have since rejected a second formal bid from West Ham for Kudus worth €42m (£35.8m).

Ajax Amsterdam's Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoring their first goal on February 23, 2023© Reuters

Romano adds that West Ham's second bid was higher than the fee that Brighton & Hove Albion agreed with Ajax earlier this summer before talks with Kudus over personal terms broke down.

Ajax are reluctant to part ways with Kudus having already seen a number of key players leave the club this summer including Edson Alvarez – who has joined West Ham – Jurrien Timber, Dusan Tadic and Calvin Bassey.

The Dutch giants are now said to value Kudus much higher than €42m (£35.8m) and believe that 'very big clubs' will enter the race for his signature in the final few days of the transfer window.

The likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in Kudus at some stage this summer, and the former in particular are known to be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements before the deadline.

Kudus is open to joining a Premier League club and is believed to be interested in a potential move to West Ham, but it remains to be seen whether the Hammers are willing to return to the negotiating table with a third bid.

Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoring for Ghana against South Korea on November 28, 2022© Reuters

The versatile attacker, who can play as an advanced midfielder or across the front three, is looking for a fresh challenge this summer after spending the last three years in the Netherlands with Ajax.

Although Ajax failed to qualify for this season's Champions League after finishing third in the Eredivisie in 2022-23, Kudus enjoyed a productive campaign in front of goal, netting 18 times and registering six assists in 42 games across all tournaments.

Kudus has since made a bright start to the new Eredivisie season amid speculation about his future, scoring in Ajax's 4-1 victory against Heracles before providing an assist in the 2-2 draw with Excelsior last weekend.

Kudus, who is under contract at the Amsterdam ArenA until the summer of 2025, is expected to be involved in Ajax's Europa League playoff tie with Ludogorets on Thursday.

After finalising deals for midfield duo Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse earlier this month, West Ham completed their third signing of the summer on Tuesday, recruiting defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart on a five-year deal.

ID:521893:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6222:
Written by
Oliver Thomas

Click here for more stories about Mohammed Kudus

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Mohammed Kudus for Ghana in September 2022
Read Next:
West Ham 'see Mohammed Kudus bid rejected by Ajax'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool24176158233557
2Arsenal25158251222953
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest25145641291247
4Manchester CityMan City25135752351744
5Bournemouth25127644291543
6Chelsea25127647341343
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2512584233941
8Fulham2510963833539
9Aston Villa2510873538-338
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2591063838037
11Brentford25104114342134
12Crystal Palace257992932-330
13Everton257992731-430
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2576122947-1827
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Ipswich TownIpswich2538142350-2717
19Leicester CityLeicester2545162555-3017
20Southampton2523201957-389


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!