In a bid to save themselves from relegation to the EFL Championship, West Ham United have already been active in the January transfer window. Taty Castellanos and Pablo have both arrived for significant fees in the opening days of the window, with the Hammers in the relegation zone at the halfway point of the season. 

The Premier League side are also looking to bring in a bright prospect from Ligue 1, L’Équipe understands. The publication reports that they have made an approach for FC Metz midfielder Alpha Touré (19). The Senegal youth international, one of many players to have made the jump from Génération Foot to Les Grenats, has featured in all of the club’s Ligue 1 games this season, although he has made just seven league starts. An opening offer of €7m for Touré has been rejected. 

Touré’s contract runs until 2028. Metz are also set to lose Brian Madjo to Aston Villa, whilst Gauthier Hein may also depart before the closure of the transfer window, amid interest from the MLS.