"Sources from West Ham..." - Transfer insider now drops major twist from behind-the-scenes

West Ham United have been hit by another setback in the race to sign Lille midfielder Amadou Onana this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

David Moyes has strengthened his Hammers side this summer at the London Stadium but there is still time to add further reinforcements ahead of the September 1 deadline

West Ham have already added four new faces to their first team ahead of the new campaign, spending over £80 million in the process, but Onana has been identified as their next target.

The talented 20-year-old has seemingly been approached  to add more depth to West Ham’s midfield during the 2022-23 campaign but they are facing competition for his signature.

It was reported by the Guardian on Wednesday that Europa League semi-finalists had seen a bid of  up to £33.5 million accepted by the Ligue 1 side with Moyes looking to build a squad that can finish inside the top six.

However, the same publication reported a day later that Premier League rivals Everton were attempting to hijack the deal and had matched the east Londoners’ offer. The report also states that Onana would favour a move to Frank Lampard’s side too.

Despite fees being agreed, it appears to be a transfer that has a long way to go just yet.

Jones understands that the race for the midfielder is becoming more and more complicated with each passing day, with conflicting reports emerging all the time.

The transfer insider says that the latest he had heard was that there had been another setback and that the player’s representatives may be playing a bit of a game.  

Jones told GIVEMSPORT: “I think, actually, that the deal for Onana is becoming so complex that even when it’s suddenly reported that they’ve made a breakthrough, and they’re on the