WHU must axe 21 y/o prodigy for £15m titan who's made of "the same stuff as Wolverine" - opinion

West Ham United are leading the race to sign Joe Worrall in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a claim made by Claret & Hugh, with the Hammers insider revealing in a recent post that David Moyes’ side hold an advantage over the likes of Burnley, Leicester City, Everton and Newcastle United in the battle for the Nottingham Forest centre-back, as Steve Cooper is keen on signing West Ham’s 21-year-old left-back, Emmanuel Longelo.

In the update, Claret & Hugh said: “West Ham appear to still have a small edge as the chase looks set to hot up for Nottingham Forest’s sergeant major central defender, Joe Worrall.

“We understand that no new contract talks have been held with the player, despite his contract expiring in two years’ time.

“In the meantime, we have learned from sources close to Forest boss, Steve Cooper, that he remains keen on Hammers academy left-back, Emmanuel Longelo – who has now been scouted on several occasions by the club and they told us [Cooper] will start new talks with the Hammers in the summer.”

While Longelo is undoubtedly an exciting up and coming prospect in east London, should the youngster prove to be the key that unlocks West Ham’s move for Worrall, it would appear an extremely wise move for Moyes to sacrifice the 21-year-old in order to get a deal for the former England U21 international over the line this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Championship appearances this season, the £3.6m-rated defender has been in imperious form for the Garibaldi, helping his side keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of two interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 3.3 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 63% – per game.

These returns have seen the £10k-per-week talent who Matt Davies