WEST HAM have taken highly-rated Portsmouth youngster Charlie Bell on trial in a bid to beat a string of clubs to his signature.
Playmaker Bell, 18, will spend a week training with the Hammers as he considers his options with Pompey’s financial restrictions post-pandemic meaning he is available on a free transfer.
The midfielder is also being tracked by Premier League rivals Brighton, with academy director David Wright a big fan having previously worked with him while he was in a similar role at Fratton Park.
The teenager has made two first team appearances for Pompey in the Checkatrade Trophy this season, being named man of the match on his debut.
But with Pompey still unsure of whether they can hand deals to current senior players because their finances are so tight, Bell has been cleared to continue his career with another club.
Elsewhere, the Hammers are said to be in the driving seat to secure Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri this summer.
Manchester United and Liverpool are also in the race for the 23-year-old but the Champions League chasing East Londoners are said to be front-runners.
The Hammers tried to sign En-Nesyri to replace Sebastian Haller in January.
But their £26.7million bid was knocked back.
David Moyes’ side remain keen and are expected to up their offer at the end of the season.
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But, according to Estadio Deportivo, United and Liverpool see the striker as a potential alternative to the in-demand Erling Haaland.
Sevilla are rumoured to be willing to let go of their leading goalscorer for around £40m, despite efforts to renew his contract – although his current deal does still have four years left to run.
The Irons are in desperate need for a striker with injury prone Michail Antonio the only recognised front man on the books.
West Ham are also one of the clubs – along with Aston Villa – who are said to be keeping tabs on ‘sad and angry’ Tammy Abraham at Chelsea.
And the East Londoners are also said to be hopeful of landing Eddie Nketiah from Super League charlatans Arsenal.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
