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West Ham in four-way chase to sign full-back after latest scouting mission - report
By Will Butcher
West Ham are keeping tabs on Fleetwood defender Amari’i Bell following his impressive displays for the club this season, according to a report.
HITC Sport claim that Bell’s performances at the League One club have not gone unnoticed, with Swansea, Norwich and Brighton also interested in the signing.
It is believed that both Premier League clubs West Ham and Swansea have been scouting Bell for a considerable amount of time, while Brighton and Norwich are “long-term admirers.”
Left-back Bell has proved both an attacking outlet from defence this season, contributing a hand in eight goals during his 45 league and cup appearances during 2016-17.
Scoring three times against Chesterfield, Chartlon and Southport, the speed machine has also laid on five assists for the rest of his side to find the back of the net.
Fleetwood’s number three could be set to jump ship in the summer after starring in the red and white of Uwe Rosler’s side, with his contract set to expire in three months’ time.
That could see any of the four interested parties look to sign him for nothing in the summer, in what could prove to be a bargain deal.
Football Insider verdict:
The Hammers would be well advised to complete the signing of Bell. Back-up left-back Arthur Masuaku has failed to impress since his £6million move from Greek champions Olympiakos in the summer, suffering from injury and struggling to adapt to the rigours of Premier League football. Masuaku has proved to be a flop at the London Stadium along with a number of other summer signings brought in from overseas clubs. Simone Zaza, Gokhan Tore and Jonathan Calleri have all struggled, and that should prove to Bilic that sourcing talent from these shores will prove more effective. Burton-born left-back Bell fits that criteria, and prove strong back up with plenty of years to develop as Aaron Cresswell’s understudy.
In other West Ham transfer news, Harry Redknapp believes Bilic should also look to sign this striker on a free transfer.
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