West Ham and Leicester in £25m transfer tussle for Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou after Hammers’ failed deadline day bid

WEST HAM and Leicester are ready to fight it out for Bayer  Leverkusen’s powerful centre-half Odilon Kossounou.

The Ivory Coast international wants to leave the Bundesliga club.

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And both Premier League teams are on his trail for next season.

Kossounou, 22, was one of the most wanted defenders around when he went to Germany from Bruges two years ago.

But he has fallen out of favour this campaign and now the commanding player has his sights on England.

The Hammers are set to renew their interest after boss David Moyes failed in a loan bid for him at the end of the January window.

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The Foxes are keen as manager Brendan Rodgers wants another centre-half, despite landing Harry Souttar from Stoke.

Nottingham Forest are also keeping an eye on developments.

They initially inquired about Kossounou’s team-mate Jonathan Tah in January and were turned down.

Leverkusen will look for £25million.

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But both West Ham and Leicester will want to get that fee down and even try a loan-to-buy arrangement.

There would be no work permit problems for Kossounou and his wages are not huge.

The player is keen on a fresh start and his priority will be to play regularly for his next club.