West Ham could land next Payet in Laborde

Current reports have seen West Ham United linked with a transfer for Stade Rennais ahead, Gaetan Laborde, with the Hammers probably set to make a late swoop for the Frenchman earlier than the window closes.

Further studies have steered that the 28-year-old – who solely joined his present facet last summer – would probably be accessible for a price of round €25m (£21m), with the east Londoners having already performed enterprise with the Ligue 1 outfit to signal defender Nayef Aguerd.

That curiosity has actually been warranted such has been the striker’s spectacular kind in entrance of aim of late, having scored 20 objectives and supplied eight assists in 47 video games in all competitions final time period.

That haul included a tally of 15 league objectives final season – the joint-sixth highest determine within the French top-flight – whereas he has already netted once in three league video games this time period, residing as much as his repute as one thing of a “goal machine”, within the phrases of journalist Clement Carpentier.

Additionally lauded for his “incredible mind” by agent Christophe Hutteau, the £35k-per-week gem has been a dependable goalscoring presence in his homeland in latest occasions, having beforehand scored 39 objectives and supplied 20 assists in 118 video games for Montpellier.

Dubbed a “leader” by present Rennes boss Bruno Genesio, the one-time Bordeaux man might effectively show to be simply as influential had been he to make the transfer to the London Stadium, with supervisor David Moyes more likely to wish to bolster his ahead line having seen his facet fail to score within the opening three league video games of the season.

Would Laborde be an excellent signing?

The Irons will seemingly be hoping he can have the identical impression in English soccer as that of his compatriot Dimitri Payet, with the playmaker having dazzled the Premier League after making the swap to the capital from Marseille again in the summertime of 2015.

A real master from dead-ball conditions, the 5 foot 9 genius developed into an actual talisman for the Hammers throughout his brief, but pleasant 18-month keep, with the membership seemingly having seen few higher abilities within the trendy period.

The 38-cap sensation stays a cult hero amongst West Ham supporters after producing a string of memorable moments in a claret and blue jersey, be it that gorgeous solo aim towards Middlesbrough or his majestic rabona assist for Michail Antonio towards Watford.

Laborde – who can function on either flank – may also seemingly produce his personal second of cheeky high quality, having notably netted a pleasant panenka penalty within the victory over Troyes again in February.

The hope can be that he can reproduce such crowd-pleasing moments for Moyes’ males shifting ahead if he’s to signal earlier than deadline day, with each West Ham – and their supporters – little question craving their subsequent Payet-esque determine.