West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a January swoop for Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Manu Kone.

What’s the latest?

As per German publication Sport Bild, the Irons could soon be ready to fork out upwards of €45m (£39m) to secure the services of the 21-year-old in the coming windows.

Despite being the crown jewel of the German side’s midfield, having reported losses over the calendar year they may be forced to move on one of their prized assets.

David Moyes holds the midfielder in high regard and has sent scouts to watch him on several occasions. He remains top of their transfer wish list.

Can ditch Soucek for Kone

The France under-21 international – who burst onto the top-flight scene last season – has warranted such interest following his consistently classy displays over the past season and a half.

That form is particularly impressive given how his side sits in midtable, having hardly set the Bundesliga alight with their play. Their prized asset has shone through amidst the mediocrity, boasting incredible power but a fleet of foot that makes him unlike few other midfielders in world football.

He ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed, and would certainly bring the excitement factor to the London Stadium.

The “monstrous box-to-box midfielder”– as described by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulic – also offers the capability to push forward and offer offensively, having scored three and assisted two for his current side, and having scored six goals for his former team in France.

Bringing in such a youthful and expressive recruit for their engine room could allow Hammers boss Moyes the chance to finally ditch their underperforming dud, Tomas Soucek, with the Czech Republic stopper enduring some poor form of late.

The 27-year-old had previously been touted as a fine goal-scoring asset from the centre of the pitch in recent seasons since joining from Slavia Prague – with his debut season tally standing at ten goals.

However, the 54-cap brute has just one goal and one assist this campaign, with journalist Josh Bunting recommending he be dropped as he has “struggled all season” and is “just not good enough to play in that role”.

His replacement could offer an instant upgrade, who has shown form of being a “one-man army”, as noted again by Kulig. Alongside Declan Rice, he could provide the energy they have been lacking.

It could prove time to remove the 6 foot 2 ace from the side, with Kone set to be the midfield star Moyes was craving in the summer.