Report: Player Kylian Mbappe called 'incredible' now more likely to join Man United despite West Ham bid

West Ham could now be set for disappointment as Manchester United muscle the Hammers aside in one particular transfer battle.

It has been an exciting summer for the east Londoners so far, as Julen Lopetegui is backed with the signings of Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug.

A £30m bid was also made to sign another target – although he is now more likely to join Manchester United than West Ham this summer…

Youssouf Fofana more likely to join Manchester United than West Ham

West Ham recently made a £30m bid to sign Youssouf Fofana from Monaco – according to L’Equipe.

While that offer was believed to have met Monaco’s asking price, the France international himself said no to West Ham, as he is waiting for AC Milan to agree a deal with the Ligue 1 side.

Now – however – a story from Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Manchester United have become a ‘serious threat’ in the race to sign Fofana in recent days, and are currently more likely to sign the Monaco No.19 than West Ham are.

While the man from Paris firmly declined West Ham’s proposal, Gazzetta dello Sport believe he is more open to a move to Old Trafford, and would consider going back on his verbal agreement with AC Milan to join Erik ten Hag’s side, who are said to have made the central midfielder an offer.

The Italian news outlet add that Manchester United have already beaten AC Milan to a key target earlier this summer when signing Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the Serie A giants, and are now looking to repeat the feat.

Gazzetta dello Sport also mention that Monaco would accept a bid of €23m (£19.7m) for Fofana – who Kylian Mbappe called an “incredible” player – as he only has 12 months remaining on his contract and would leave for free in 2025.

Julen Lopetegui has an alternative

Fofana is not the only central midfielder West Ham are looking at.

A story from Caught Offside claims that the Hammers like Celtic No.33 Matt O’Riley – who is valued at £25m.

Therefore, if Fofana does move to Manchester United, we could witness West Ham step up their interest in the Denmark international.

READ MORE: West Ham have bid for £34m striker despite Niclas Fullkrug arrival

Be sure to keep an eye on developments at West Ham, as we expect at least one new central midfielder to arrive at the London Stadium this summer.