West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten is in Bulgaria putting the finishing touches to a move for Ajax's Mohammed Kudus, sources have confirmed to 90min.
23-year-old Kudus scored a hat-trick for Ajax on Thursday night in what looks increasingly likely to be his final game for the club, with West Ham closing in on a deal worth €44m (£37.5m).
Kudus told Dutch media after the game: "Yes, I think it was my final game here at Ajax. But let's see what happens in the next day. The talks are going on. We have to see if an agreement is reached in the next days," and 90min understands West Ham are hopeful of fully agreeing terms on Friday before flying the Ghanaian back to London to undergo a medical over the weekend.
The Hammers are looking to reinforce their forward line ahead of another season in the Europa League having already completed the signings of midfield duo Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse. Konstantinos Mavropanos has also arrived at the club on a five-year deal, strengthening West Ham's options in central defence.
West Ham are understood to see Kudus as a centre or wide forward option, though he does have the ability to play in the number 8 or number 10 if required. It was in a withdrawn role that he scored a hat-trick as Ajax overcame Ludogorets 4-1 in the first leg of their Europa League qualification play-off tie.
Kudus will still be able to represent West Ham in the competition this season if the move goes ahead, owing to a change in the competition's rules, and his arrival will provide another attacking spark for a West Ham side who now look likely to keep hold of Lucas Paqueta after a move to Manchester City hit the rocks.
The Brazilian is being investigated by the FA and FIFA for alleged breaches of betting regulations, though 90min understands Paqueta and his representatives are "mystified" and "shocked" by the allegations.
West Ham have started the 2023/24 season brightly, drawing away at Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the season before beating Chelsea 3-1 at a raucous London Stadium on Sunday.
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This article was originally published on 90min as West Ham putting finishing touches on Mohammed Kudus deal after Ajax hat-trick.