West Ham are in a three-way battle for the signature of highly-rated left-back Rashid Alhassan.
The 17-year-old Ghanian flyer is set to be the star of the Under-17 World Cup finals due to be played in India.
West Ham’s scouts were reported to have tipped the swoop after Alhassan shone in the Africa Under-17 Championship earlier in the year.
Alhassan’s agent confirmed the interest from West Ham, and was quoted in the Sun saying: “Several clubs are interested in Rashid at the moment but I can speak about West Ham and Chicago Fire.
“Hannover are also interested in his services. We’ll look at the best option before deciding on his future.
“He is currently with Ghana’s U-17 squad for the World Cup in India, and so the situation will be clearer after the tournament.
“There is no rush to make any pronouncements, but that is the situation with him at the moment.”
According to his agent, West Ham won’t have things their own way with Bundlesiga club Hannover and MLS club Chicago Fire also interested in his signature.
A good move for West Ham?
Alhassan is obviously one for the future and all the interested parties will get a chance to see him on a decent stage as the Under-17 World Cup finals have just kicked off in India. Hammers fans will likely have their minds on more pressing matters though, like the fact that their team is currently 15th in the Premier League and Slaven Bilic is under pressure again. Aaron Creswell and Arthur Masuaku have the left-back position well contested at the moment so Alhassan will have to show something special in India if the move is going to go anywhere.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
If he shines in front of the scouts again then he could well be tempted by a move to the Premier League, but Hannover are also keen on acquiring his services and if he really hits the headlines there’ll likely be even more competition for his signature. A long shot at the moment, although if he wants a Premier League move then West Ham would have to be said to be in pole position.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10