West Ham are the favoured destination for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson despite late interest from Chelsea.
Everton and Tottenham have also been consistent in their pursuit for the Republic of Ireland international but the chance to link up with his former Brighton boss Graham Potter appeals to Ferguson.
Bayer Leverkusen did make a concerted effort to sign him last week as a replacement for Victor Boniface but once his move to Al Nassr fell through, the Bundesliga side stepped back.
West Ham are now looking to complete terms on a straight loan for the 20-year old.
Ferguson burst onto the scene when he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle at the start of last season aged just 18.
The Republic of Ireland international was compared with a young Alan Shearer, the Premier League top scorer, at the time and an exciting future looked set in stone.
West Ham are the favoured destination for Evan Ferguson despite late interest from Chelsea
The chance to link up with his former Brighton boss Graham Potter appeals to the striker
However, his progressed has stalled due to injuries – including a six-month lay-off with an ankle problem – and Fabian Hurzeler has handed him only two starts in the Premier League this season.
West Ham scouts watched £30m-rated Eli Junior Kroupi score his tenth goal of the season in Lorient’s 2-1 win at Red Star on Saturday.
The Hammers have also made an offer to rival Bournemouth for the 18-year-old forward.
They have also discussed Celtic striker Daniel Cummings, 18, but for the summer.
