West Ham join Aston Villa in transfer pursuit with academy graduate poised to head out the exit door

West Ham have reportedly joined Aston Villa in pursuit of Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. The Hammers could see the former Arsenal man as someone to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

According to journalist Mathieu Grégoire of L’Équipe (via Get French Football News), David Moyes’ side are keen on landing the Frenchman. The January transfer window shuts on Tuesday.

West Ham will need to start thinking about midfield reinforcements with Declan Rice’s long-term future up in the air amid links to Champions League clubs. At the age of 23, Guendouzi has already racked up just under 250 appearances in his career to date and has time on his side to continue developing.

There could be both comings and goings at the London Stadium over the next couple of days. Right-back Harrison Ashby is heading to fellow Premier League side Newcastle United for a medical ahead of a proposed £3million switch to the North East, as per The Athletic.

He has risen up through the youth ranks of the Hammers but hasn’t been able to nail down a regular starting spot. The defender was linked with Eddie Howe’s side last summer and they now appear to be getting the transfer over the line.