PL big guns line up transfer missions for West Ham defender - Sources
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PL big guns line up transfer missions for West Ham defender - Sources

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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EXCLUSIVE By Wayne Veysey

West Ham face a battle to hang on to rising star Jamal Baptiste amid growing interest from the Premier League big guns, Football Insider understands.

The centre-back, 15, has been the subject of scouting missions from Manchester United as they assess a player who is regarded as one of the best in his age group in the country.

A West Ham source has told Football Insider that United have dispatched scouts to watch Baptiste on three occasions and are lining up more transfer missions for a player they believe has star potential.

Other leading Premier League clubs are also sending their recruitment teams to trail the England Under-16 international as they step up their interest.

Baptiste became the second youngest player to play for West Ham Under-23s when he completed 90 minutes in their 1-0 win against Valencia B eight days ago.

In addition to two appearances for the Under-23s, the centre-back has also made 17 appearances for the club's Under-18s in a clear sign of his precocity and startling maturity for his age.

Man United's interest in Baptiste comes at a time when they are also closely monitoring a more senior product of West Ham's fabled academy, Declan Rice.

In other West Ham news, it can be REVEALED that Pellegrini has been offered multiple free agent forwards by the club.

Manchester United
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