West Ham are prepared to pay a large fee for Toure, who has emerged as a top talent for Ligue 1 side Metz.

Negotiations haven’t begun between the two clubs, however, according to Wiwsport, the Hammers are “fully committed” to signing the defensive midfielder.

Nuno Espirito Santo is under severe pressure as he looks to avoid Premier League relegation with West Ham, and they have already been very busy in the transfer window, with Pablo and Taty Castellanos already coming through the door.

Toure has to be David Sullivan‘s next signing in January, especially given the fact that George Earthy is leaving West Ham on loan yet again.

George Earthy’s West Ham exit reinforces the need for Alpha Toure

Earthy spent last season on loan at Bristol City, making 40 appearances as he helped them to a sixth-placed finish in the Championship.

After featuring just once in the first half of 2025-26, the right decision has been made for the English talent to earn more experience out on loan.

On Friday, ExWHUEmployee announced that the 21-year-old midfielder looks set to return to Bristol City for the second half of the campaign.

Earthy’s contract expires in June 2026, and West Ham will be looking to tie him down to a long-term deal immediately, especially if he performs well for the Robins.

StatEarthyEarthy’s 2024-25 Championship stats for Bristol CityFreddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa have emerged as starters this season, and Tomas Soucek remains reliable, but the Hammers need more depth in the centre of the park.

While Toure is young, he can add an extra level of dynamism to the team when he is called upon.

Change is needed throughout the entire squad, and although seasoned players with experience are required in a relegation battle, sometimes young players can prove to be the difference.

In West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Wolves on 3 January, 18-year-old Matues Mane ran the show, despite only making his first senior start on 27 December.

Toure has an abundance of potential, and the deal to sign him must move forward ahead of a busy month of fixtures.

Not only is Earthy’s exit a blow for the depth in the squad, but Guido Rodriguez looks increasingly likely to join Italian side Juventus.

Guido Rodriguez’s impending move leaves West Ham in further trouble

Initial discussions with West Ham suggest a loan deal for Rodriguez until the end of the season could be agreed with the Italian giants.

The Argentine has been a disastrous signing since joining from Real Betis in August 2024, and the Hammers would love to get him off their wage books before making another addition to their midfield.

As a result, the need for extra numbers is even more crucial, and Toure could help plug a growing gap in the squad.

The Senegalese youngster has made 24 tackles and won 54 ground duels in France’s top flight, and he has started seven matches this season.

Although West Ham are in talks to sign Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky as a new goalkeeper, a midfielder is just as important, and Sullivan can’t afford to drop the ball on Toure.

Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.