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LONDON. — West Ham United are leading the chase for AFC Bournemouth’s Zimbabwean left-back Jordan Zemura, who was dropped at the weekend over his contract situation, 90min understands.

The 23-year-old has been one of the Cherries’ more impressive players during a difficult run of results, but was left out of the side that beat Liverpool 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Zemura has started 17 of Bournemouth’s 26 English Premier League matches this season. But on Saturday, he was not a part of Gary O’Neil’s squad. The manager said the absence was not down to injury, but more of an internal decision.

O’Neil told The Daily Echo of his absence: “Just an internal decision that JZ shouldn’t be in the matchday squad today. So that was all really.

“I don’t want to go into the details.”

Zemura saw a one-year contract extension clause triggered in March 2022, but 90min understands that Bournemouth have been unable to agree terms over a new deal.

West Ham showed an interest in signing Zemura last summer and sources have confirmed to 90min that the Hammers, who like Bournemouth are fighting for their English Premier League lives, remain keen on signing the Zimbabwe international.

Newcastle, Leeds and Aston Villa are also admirers of Zemura, while interest has been shown in his services from clubs in Germany and France.

With the six-time Zimbabwe star only contracted, as things stand, until the end of the season — interest is generating. Indeed, clubs from Germany and France are interested and could approach him on a pre-contract basis.

But, there is also interest from English clubs, too. Leeds, West Ham, Aston Villa and Newcastle all want to sign the London-born star. The Hammers are said to be on pole, as they look to bring in a replacement for Aaron Cresswell.

There is no clause in his deal for an extension of 12 months. His current deal has already had an extension triggered. A new deal is needed if he is to remain but talks have not got anywhere. He could join another English Premier League side.

Emerson Palmieri and Cresswell are currently West Ham’s options at left-back, with the former displacing the club’s longest-serving player as David Moyes’ first choice.

Sourcing a long-term replacement for 33-year-old Cresswell is seen as one of the club’s higher priorities, but results on the pitch are of more concern after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa left West Ham outside of the relegation zone only on goal difference.

AEK Larnaca await tomorrow as West Ham continue their Europa Conference League adventure, before crucial back-to-back home games against Southampton and Newcastle after the international break. — 90min