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Credit: Imago<\/p>\n
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Wed 27 August 2025 11:10, UK <\/p>\n
West Ham could look to directly replace Lucas Paqueta with Bilal El Khannouss before the window ends.<\/p>\n
West Ham are one of many sides interested in El Khannouss<\/a> this summer after a positive campaign last time around despite Leicester City\u2019s relegation.<\/p>\n This has seen Newcastle United be linked to El Khannouss alongside West Ham<\/a>, although it doesn\u2019t appear that this has cooled the intrigue of Graham Potter<\/a> at the London Stadium.<\/p>\n As a result, the Hammers could look to make a late move for the Morocco international, although it may now come at the expense of Paqueta<\/a> in East London.<\/p>\n This is especially the case after a fresh \u00a335million development emerged away from E20, which could open the door for West Ham<\/a> to land El Khannouss<\/a> this summer.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This story includes exclusive comment from former manager Martin Allen<\/a>.<\/p>\n West Ham can beat Crystal Palace to Bilal El Khannouss signing<\/p>\n It is safe to say that the Irons are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements right now, especially after the defeat against Chelsea last time out.<\/p>\n Despite opening the scoring in E20, the Hammers went on to lose in humiliating fashion.<\/p>\n Paqueta scored the opener with a superb effort from rangeThe Brazilian\u2019s brilliance was quickly cancelled out by Joao PedroPedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah scored for ChelseaThis saw the Irons lose 5-1 in their first home game of the season<\/p>\n Strong exit links for Paqueta to Aston Villa<\/a> have followed, something which would leave an even larger hole in Potter\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n This could see El Khannouss come in as a direct replacement, with the door left open after a move to Crystal Palace fell through, as Leicester want \u00a335m for his services. <\/p>\n Former Foxes boss Allen believes a deal could still be done by the Hammers, especially if Paqueta is to depart before the 1 September deadline.<\/p>\n Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: \u201cI think an attacking midfield player like that will be crucial for West Ham. <\/p>\n \u201cI really feel that after a few brilliant seasons at West Ham, Paqueta has had a tough time with the case against him, and I think it has badly affected him. <\/p>\n \u201cHe struggled at the back end of last season, so I\u2019d probably look at selling him and replacing him with El Khannouss from Leicester. He\u2019s a skilful, attacking player as well. <\/p>\n \u201cHe would give Potter more athleticism and energy to strengthen that midfield, which at the moment is seriously lacking. <\/p>\n \u201cWest Ham will now be trying to entice him to join instead of Crystal Palace.\u201d<\/p>\n I\u2019m told #cpfc<\/a> deal for #lcfc<\/a> forward Bilal El Khannouss has collapsed. Leicester no longer need to sell to satisfy PSR, having sold James Justin to #lufc<\/a> and Kasey McAteer to #itfc<\/a>. Would now take \u00a335m to prise him away, and Palace won\u2019t pay that.<\/p>\n