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As Kouyate joins Crystal Palace, are two new players set to join?

By Scott Johnson

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: Thiago Maia #29 of Santos kicks the ball during the match between Santos and Ponte Preta as a part of Campeonato Brasileiro 2017 at Pacaembu Stadium on June 17, 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: Thiago Maia #29 of Santos kicks the ball during the match between Santos and Ponte Preta as a part of Campeonato Brasileiro 2017 at Pacaembu Stadium on June 17, 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have announced that central midfielder Kouyate has joined Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee. In addition, it seems as though the Hammers are close to bringing in two other midfielders.

It was a move that was on the edge for a while, but Kouyate has now officially left the club. After scoring the first competitive goal at the London Stadium his form at West Ham seemed to decline, as his tendency to switch off and not chase back caused the Hammers defence to get exposed more often than comfortable.

Whilst I’m not too sorry to see Kouyate go, I do think we need more cover in the middle of the park. Earlier in the window we talked about Drinkwater or Loftus Cheek from Chelsea, but it seems that the Hammers heirachy have already pushed two other deals close to completion.

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Thago Maia

The Sun are reporting that the East London club have almost sealed a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Thago Maia from French side Lille. He was reportedly close to joining Premier League rivals Newcastle earlier in the window, but has become a target of the Hammers.

I must put this news out there with a huge pinch of salt, because it’s in the Sun. They report on any slight rumour as though it is gospel, and there may have been no change from his apparent close move to Newcastle. Because the Hammers are currently spending money, we become and easy club to link to.

However it would make sense, Maia is a solid midfielder and would certainly represent an upgrade on Kouyate, leaving our squad strong than before. However I’m not sure 20m on a midfielder who hasn’t exactly set the French League alight is the best use of the money we have available.

Xande Silva

The other player that the Irons are reportedly close to singing, and I do think this is true, is Xande Silva. Because this news is from ExWhuEmployee, it’s almost the most reliable rumour you’re ever going to hear.

Silva is a forward player, looking to play in the gap between midfield and attack, usually off of another striker. Given his age this is likely to be a signing for the future, with him playing more of a role in the U23 team than the First Team. Saying that, there’s no reason to believe that he couldn’t make an impact this season anyway. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough. And at a fee of around 2m, this could be a steal.

Next. 5 ways West Ham's attack could lineup this season. dark

With other rumours and potential transfers floating around, I doubt the Hammers are done in the transfer market. Which players would you like to see us sign? Will there be a flurry towards the deadline, or will the Irons miss some of their targets before the early deadline?

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