West Ham set to join Liverpool in hunt for French forward

West Ham have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby ahead of a potential summer move for the 22-year-old.

The former Paris Saint-Germain winger has been in brilliant form for the Bundesliga side this season, grabbing 12 goals and 9 assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances, while he also made 5 appearances for France in their successful World Cup qualification campaign.

This has led to widespread interest in his services beyond this summer, with Leverkusen in a strong selling position thanks to Diaby's contract running until 2025. Such terms have not stopped enquiries, however, and West Ham are the latest club to express an interest, as per Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

The Hammers have begun planning their summer moves, and have had to reassess their targets after moves for the likes of Darwin Nunez fell through in January, with the Benfica man now set to join a bigger club than the Irons ahead of next season.

And Diaby could fit the bill, although West Ham are not alone in their admiration of the winger, and he wouldn't come cheap.

Liverpool among others in the hunt

Another club thought to be interested in the Frenchman are Liverpool, who are still looking for a third addition as they aim to begin the regeneration of their forward line. All of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are either close to or on the wrong side of 30, and all will be out of contract in 2023.

And, while Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are worthy replacements, adding Diaby into the mix would ensure that the progression of the club is not hindered should all three veterans depart the club in quick succession.

However, having just added Diaz in January, and having agreed a deal for Fulham's Fabio Carvalho, it is unclear as to how high up their list of priorities an expensive move for Diaby now would be.

Read more:

Getafe vs Villarreal betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

Valencia vs Osasuna betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds