West Ham United are now in pole position to sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, having moved ahead of rivals Tottenham Hotspur and a whole host of other Premier League clubs in the race for his signature, according to a report.
Hammers ramping up midfielder pursuit
As we approach the business end of the campaign, West Ham have little to play for, with Premier League safety more or less confirmed, which means they may have one eye on potential additions for the summer transfer window.
A new midfielder is of particular interest to the Hammers, who are now ramping up their pursuit of new options in the middle of the park, and they are ready to make a move for Lille’s Angel Gomes, with the Englishman set to be available on a free transfer.
Graham Potter is believed to be a big fan of the 24-year-old, but he is not the only English midfielder on the shortlist, with widespread recent reports linking the Irons with a move for Sunderland’s Chris Rigg.
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There has now been a promising new update on West Ham’s pursuit of Rigg, with Football Insider reporting they are now in pole position to sign the Sunderland midfielder, despite interest from rivals Tottenham.
Several clubs retain an interest in the 17-year-old, who is said to be destined to be a Premier League player next season, with the Black Cats likely being forced to cash-in if they fail to secure promotion from the Championship.
Everton and Manchester United are also named as potential suitors for the teenager, but the Hammers are leading the race, despite reports from elsewhere revealing Spurs have made a £38m bid.
West Ham United’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)
April 1st
AFC Bournemouth (h)
April 5th
Liverpool (a)
April 13th
Southampton (h)
April 19th
Brighton & Hove Albion (a)
April 26th
"Phenomenal" Rigg needs to take next step
It will probably be a difficult decision for the Sunderland-born midfielder to leave his hometown club, but if they remain a second tier side next season, it would probably be a wise decision to seek pastures new.
Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has spoken very highly of the starlet, describing him as “phenomenal”, while describing him as a “technically gifted midfielder capable of moments of brilliance”.
Earlier in the campaign, Mattinson also stated the youngster is capable of being a “game-changer”, which has been on display at times this season, with the Englishman bagging four goals in the Championship.
Rigg is showing signs he is ready to take the next step in his career by moving to the Premier League, so it is fantastic news that West Ham are well-positioned to win the race for his signature.