Last week West Ham United midfielder Soungoutou Magassa was linked with a transfer to Galatasaray.
The Super Lig champions are keen to bring in a No.6 before next week’s deadline and the Frenchman emerged as an option. Their manager Okan Buruk is keen to sign the former AS Monaco midfielder, and asked for attempts to be made.
Gala tabled an offer for the West Ham player, but this was instantly rejected. They wanted to loan the 22-year-old, with an option to purchase.
However, Galatasaray haven’t given up in their pursuit for Magassa and Aspor report they are still in transfer talks to sign him.
Galatasaray vice president Abdullah Kavukcu has flown into the UK, along with Italian agent George Gardi. The official will hold transfer talks with Premier League clubs, with the intention of signing a new No.6.
West Ham talks accelerated
Negotiations have accelerated to sign the West Ham midfielder, although there’s no indication whether Gala will improve on their initial offer.
The Turkish club should expect to face competition to sign Magassa, given Fiorentina are also monitoring his situation. Viola are currently battling against relegation and want to add to their squad. Fellow Serie A side Napoli were linked with the West Ham man last month.
Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma and Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare are also on the Istanbul club’s wishlist. The Super Lig window doesn’t close until February 6th, subsequently there’s longer to get a deal done.
Magassa signed for West Ham in August for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur, coming on as a second half substitute.
The youngster has gone on to make eight appearances for the London club this season, scoring one goal. However, he wasn’t involved in last weekend’s victory over Sunderland.
The Frenchman is contracted to the Premier League club until June 2031.
