Said Benrahma 'set to join Lyon on initial loan deal'

West Ham United attacker Said Benrahma is reportedly heading for France to undergo a medical with Lyon.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the 28-year-old's future this month, with West Ham signalling that he is free to leave during the January market.

According to Sky Sports News, Benrahma is expected in France on Thursday afternoon to undergo a medical with Lyon ahead of an initial loan switch to the French outfit.

The report claims that personal terms have already been agreed, although there are still minor details that need to be discussed before the deal can be made official.

There will allegedly be a mandatory purchase clause in the deal at around £15m.

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Journalist Jack Rosser claims that Fulham had been interested in Benrahma and offered "a good contract", but the forward made it clear that he did not want to remain in London.

The Algeria international made the move to the Hammers from Brentford in 2020, initially on loan, and he has represented his current side on 155 occasions, scoring 24 goals and registering 19 assists.

Benrahma has found it difficult to make his mark during the 2023-24 campaign, though, only managing one assist in 22 appearances in all competitions.

The forward has featured on 13 occasions in the Premier League this season, but he has only been named in the first XI five times in England's top flight in 2023-24.

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West Ham are currently on a four-game winless run in all competitions, including a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United in their last Premier League match on January 21.

The Hammers are back in action at home to Bournemouth on Thursday evening before heading to Manchester this weekend for a clash with Manchester United.

David Moyes's side are currently sixth in the table, eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, while they are three points ahead of seventh-placed Newcastle United.

Moyes's side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Bristol City on January 16, but they are present in the knockout round of the Europa League.