Alpha Touré: Metz youngster appears on West Ham radar

Former Senegal U-17 midfielder Alpha Amadou Touré could be departing French Ligue 1 club Metz in the next transfer window, with a host of clubs targeting the youngster.

Touré, 20, is courting interest from English Premier League strugglers, West Ham United, with an agreement reportedly in the offing.

According to Dsports, the London club is reportedly ready to splash nearly £6 million—£1 million in excess of the player’s valuation—to rope in the services of the Génération Foot academy graduate.

Having produced a swashbuckling performance this season for Metz, the Kaolack-born player will be an ideal choice to strengthen the defensive midfield role of any European side.

Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht are equally following the progress of Touré, but the Hammers have emerged as the leading contenders to acquire the former Senegal Ligue 1 champion.

Alpha Touré could join West Ham early next week, barring any last-minute hiccups.

He has a combined 31 games across Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France this season, but Metz are destined for relegation as they sit bottom of the table on 16 points from 33 games, with the final fixtures set for Sunday, May 16.

Touré has represented Senegal at under-17 level, participating in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

The young Lions suffered a round-of-16 elimination at the tournament after losing 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw at full-time.