West Ham United can sign a game-changing defender in RC Strasbourg Alsace’s Mohamed Simakan if David Gold and David Sullivan are brave enough to meet the Ligue 1 outfit’s valuation.

What’s the word?

According to Foot Mercato, a potential suitor who has spent the summer courting Simakan has walked away from the negotiating table after becoming aware that RC Strasbourg would demand at least €20million (£18.1m).

The French side are steadfast in their position that only an offer matching their asking price will result in Simakan leaving the Meinau Stadium and that no haggling will take place amid interest from sides around Europe.

Atalanta, Olympique Lyonnais, AC Milan and Stade Rennais are all named in Foot Mercato’s report, who note Rennes are particularly loath to meet the Alsatian’s demands but are yet to give up on their chase while other payment structures are being considered.

West Ham have previously been thought of as another side interested in Simakan’s availability with Transfer20 suggesting the Irons were willing to pay around €15m (£13.5m) last month, while The Sun also claimed the 20-year-old was considered as an alternative to Burnley’s James Tarkowski.

It is not known if West Ham are the side Foot Mercato believe have run from Strasbourg after becoming aware that Simakan would cost €20m, but Gold and Sullivan would be wise to offer the Ligue 1 outfit their asking price in search of David Moyes’ next centre-half option.

A game-changing defender

Moyes would stand to benefit greatly from Gold and Sullivan digging into their pockets to sign Simakan ahead of Monday’s Deadline Day as the young Frenchman has the potential to be a game-changing option at the back of the Irons’ defence provided he is moulded correctly.

Given his young age, Simakan is far from the finished product but has already stood out in France for his leadership qualities and emerging talents as a ball-playing centre-back who does not panic in possession, despite standing at 6 ft 1 tall and holding a strong physique - this season he is already averaging an impressive 88% pass completion rate (SofaScore).

Simakan is also known to possess a burst of speed once he reaches his top gear, having shown a willingness to drive forward in near-unstoppable fashion as he uses his body to shield the ball with great effect at both ends of the field.

If Moyes can help mould Simakan and polish off the edges to his passing game, West Ham would have a real talent on their hands, as well as someone capable of filling in at right-back and defensive midfield if needed.

But he must be managed correctly, given the former Marseille youth ace only enjoyed his senior breakthrough campaign during the 2019/20 season and the wrong move could scupper his budding career.

AND in other news, West Ham have submitted an offer to sign David Moyes’ top striker target.