West Ham: Interest in £19m star ‘will develop’

West Ham United boss David Moyes’ interest in Rennes star Arthur Theate is expected to ‘develop over the course of the season’ and the London Stadium outfit could head to the negotiating table next summer, according to journalist Robin Bairner.

Although the Hammers spent close to £160million during the summer transfer window, they have endured an underwhelming start to the season.

What’s the latest news involving Theate?

West Ham raided Rennes in the summer, when they sealed a £30million deal which saw Nayef Aguerd head to the capital.

But the Hammers have also shown an interest in Theate, who effectively became Aguerd’s replacement when he left Bologna to join the French outfit for £19million in July.

It is understood that, prior to heading to Ligue 1, the 22-year-old was eager to complete a switch to West Ham after working his way onto the transfer market.

However, the recent move to Rennes could make it difficult for Moyes to persuade the club into parting with Theate as his contract, which is worth just shy of £49,000-per-week, is not due to expire until the summer of 2026.

The three-cap Belgium international, who was called up but failed to gain any game-time during the Nations League clashes with Wales and the Netherlands in September, will be hopeful of bagging a place in Roberto Martinez’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

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What has Robin Bairner said about Theate?

Bairner would be shocked if West Ham looked to test Rennes’ resolve by tabling a lucrative offer for Theate during the winter transfer window.

But the journalist has refused to rule out the possibility of a bid being lodged at the end of the campaign.

Bairner told GIVEMESPORT: “Whether it’s quite the time to take a chance on him, I would be a little bit surprised.

“This is a move that I would expect to see develop over the course of the season.

“I wouldn’t imagine it will happen in January, but potentially next summer. They could revisit it then.”

How has Theate performed so far this season?

West Ham’s defensive frailties were laid bare when Crystal Palace came from behind to register a 2-1 win at the London Stadium on Sunday.

That result has left Moyes’ charges just two points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone and Theate would be a strong addition to the backline.

The central defender has made 19 appearances since joining Rennes and also shown that he can be a threat from set pieces by notching two goals.

Theate has played every minute of his current employers’ Ligue 1 campaign and statistics show that he would strengthen West Ham.

According to Sofascore, he averages 2.9 clearances, 0.7 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per domestic outing, which will have caught Moyes’ attention.

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