Ajax have turned down a bid from West Ham United for attacker Mohammed Kudus, according to a report.
The Hammers have intensified their pursuit of the 23-year-old after finalising the transfers of Edson Alvarez from Ajax and James Ward-Prowse from Southampton earlier this month.
Kudus had allegedly been identified as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta, who has been he subject of interest from Manchester City in recent weeks.
However, it is understood that West Ham's interest in Kudus is irrespective of a potential exit for Paqueta, who may remain at the London Stadium as Man City have put talks on hold as the midfielder is being investigated by FIFA and the Football Association over alleged betting breaches.
According to The Athletic, West Ham have made an offer to Ajax for the Ghana international, but it was rejected by the Dutch giants on Friday night as the bid was deemed well below their asking price.
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Earlier this summer, Ajax had reach an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sell Kudus for around €40m (£34.2m), but the deal appears to have broken down due to a disagreement over personal terms.
Ajax are now keen to keep hold of Kudus having already seen a number of other key players depart this summer including Alvarez, Jurrien Timber, Dusan Tadic and Calvin Bassey.
Kudus, however, is said to be looking to leave Ajax in search of a fresh challenge having spent the last three year in the Netherlands, and he would be open to a move to the Premier League.
The former Nordsjaelland youngster still has two years remaining on his contract at Ajax and he allegedly turned down a one-year extension in April.
Kudus's agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch stated last month that a summer exit from Ajax may take place for his client and believes that now is "the right time" for the Ghanaian to seek pastures new.
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The versatile attacker, who can play across the front three or as an advanced midfielder, has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, but West Ham appear to be at the front of the queue for his signature at present.
West Ham are expected to return with an improved offer for Kudus, who scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 42 appearances for Ajax across all competitions last season.
Kudus has also impressed on the international stage with Ghana and scored two goals in three appearances at the 2022 World Cup.
David Moyes is also in the market for a new centre-back and West Ham have reportedly agreed a fee with Stuttgart to sign Konstantinos Mavropanos, who is set to undergo his medical in the United Kingdom on Sunday.
Oliver Thomas
