Manchester City are ‘seriously interested’ in signing 18-goal West Ham star but face transfer battle with Liverpool

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are interested in bringing West Ham star Mohammed Kudus to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 23-year-old completed a £38million move to the London Stadium last August, signing a five-year contract with West Ham after swapping Ajax and the Eredivisie for West Ham and the Premier League.

The attacking midfielder, who was named Ghanaian Player of the Year for the second successive time after an impressive debut for the Hammers, has been directly involved in 25 of West Ham’s goals in all competitions.

Kudus has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists for east London, scoring eight times in the Premier League and five goals in nine appearances in the UEFA Europa League.

The Ghanaian also scored a stunning goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on the final day of the Premier League in May, reducing the deficit before the break with a spectacular bicycle kick.

Kudus made 48 appearances for West Ham and played as both a midfielder and a winger under David Moyes. The 23-year-old’s impressive versatility has led to interest from other Premier League clubs.

Manchester City, who are expected to strengthen their midfield in the summer, are “seriously interested” in signing the midfielder, with Etihad bosses and manager Guardiola “appreciating” Kudus’ talent, according to CaughtOffside.

The Ghanaian international’s contract with the Hammers includes a release clause and the midfielder could be targeted by Manchester City if Kevin De Bruyne moves to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.

However, the Sky Blues could face a transfer battle with Liverpool also reportedly interested in signing the 18-goal striker from West Ham if either Mo Salah or Luis Diaz leave Anfield during the summer transfer window.

Manchester City have also been linked with a move for fellow Premier League midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, despite the Brazilian international’s £100million deal expiring in June.