Former West Ham scout Mick Brown has suggested the Hammers would be prepared to sell Mohammed Kudus for a reduced fee this summer.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown, who also had scouting roles at Manchester United and Blackburn, revealed that several clubs have been keeping a close eye on the Ghanaian this season.

It is likely to be another busy summer transfer window in East London. Selling a high profile player like Kudus would provide the Hammers with additional funds to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.

There is an £80 million release clause in Kudus’ West Ham contract that becomes active at the start of the transfer window. The 24 year old’s form this season has dropped significantly from his first campaign with the club. Kudus had an outstanding debut season in East London, scoring 14 goals and registering six assists in all competitions. This season however, the Ghanaian has scored just three goals and registered three assists.

Given his form this season, the Hammers may be forced to accept offers below his £80 million release clause. However, the club should still be in a position to make a healthy profit on Kudus, having signed him from Ajax for a reported £38 million.

When discussing Kudus’ future with Football Insider back in January, Mick Brown told the news site that Arsenal’s scouts have been monitoring the Ghanaian forward. Additionally, Liverpool feel that Kudus would be a good replacement for Salah should the Egyptian leave the Reds this summer.

Brown also emphasised that neither Liverpool nor Arsenal would be likely to meet Kudus’s release clause this summer should either side make a move for the forward. “Teams aren’t going to spend £80 million on him this summer.” said Brown.

“From what I hear though, West Ham could listen to offers even if they don’t meet that release clause. They want to raise a bit of money to spend on the squad, and he’s one of the players who could be sold to make way for that.” added Brown.

The former Hammers scout maintained that despite teams perhaps being unwilling to meet his release clause, his talent means there will always be plenty of interest in him. “Because he’s a talented player, there’s always going to be interest there and clubs willing to spend money to bring him in.”

With another summer of change on the horizon and plenty of in comings and out goings expected, cashing in on Kudus could prove to be the best outcome for both parties. The 24 year old’s attitude and desire have been questioned at times this season, and the presence of a release clause in his contract that activates after two years naturally raises doubts about whether he ever intended to stay in East London long term.

It will be interesting to see how things pan out regarding Kudus’s future in the summer. A special player, a frighteningly good talent, and truly world class on his day, losing Kudus would be a massive blow for the Hammers. Should he be sold, those funds would certainly assist West Ham’s summer rebuild if that money is invested wisely.