According to Sky Sports News, West Ham United have approached Lille over a potential move for Ibrahim Amadou in the closing stages of the January transfer window.

What's the story?

Crystal Palace have been strongly linked with a move for Amadou, with the Eagles reportedly failing with two separate bids for the 24-year-old.

According to Sky Sports News, West Ham have now joined the race, with the Hammers making an enquiry to the midfielder's French club.

It is understood that Lille are refusing to sell Amadou for anything less than his £17.6m valuation, but the Ligue 1 outfit are currently under pressure to sell.

Indeed, Lille must raise £22m to avoid potentially being relegated to Ligue 2 for breaking Financial Fair Play rules.

West Ham have been frustrated with moves for a number of central midfielders during the winter window, but the Hammers are still very much in the market as Wednesday night's deadline looms large.

What are Amadou's credentials?

The 24-year-old started his professional career with Nancy - progressing through the youth system before making 57 league appearances between 2013 and 2015.

Amadou moved on to Lille in the summer of 2015, and the former France Under-19 international has since become the captain of the French club.

He has made 23 appearances in all competitions for his Ligue 1 side this season, and is capable of filling in at centre-back.

There is no question that Amadou has the physical abilities needed to thrive in the Premier League, whilst his leadership skills would certainly boost West Ham.

Palace were thought to be in the driving seat, but their London rivals have seemingly now joined the hunt for a player that is widely expected to leave on transfer deadline day.

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