West Ham teenager Vashon Neufville is being tracked by Arsenal and Manchester City, according to ESPN.
The broadcaster claims that the two Premier League giants have been alerted to the teenage left-back’s ability after he made outstanding performances against both clubs last month when playing for the Hammers’ U-23s side.
ESPN report that Neufville is about to enter the final year of his contract at the Hammers after signing his first professional deal in 2016.
The 18-year-old defender has never featured for the Hammers’ first-team, he was an unused substitute for the FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury in January, but has represented England at U-16 and U-17 level.
Good Move for West Ham?
No.
Neufville might not have featured for David Moyes’ side in January when he got called up to the first-team squad, but it showed he wasn’t too far off getting an opportunity.
The teen is clearly a promising talent to keep at the London Stadium and it’s worrying that he is about to enter the final year of his contract.
The Hammers must act quickly to tie him to a deal beyond 2019 as playing for Arsenal and Manchester City could be too tempting of an idea.
Neufville, who the Hammers plucked out of Chelsea’s youth system in 2014, has already shown that he is willing to move in order to give himself the best opportunity at success.
Forever West Ham rating: 1/10
Likely to happen?
With his deal set to expire in 2019, the door is certainly ajar to allow the Gunners and Man City to have a go at stealing him away from the Hammers.
However there’s still plenty of time for the Hammers to keep him at the London Stadium and secure the starlet’s future is with them.
While the first-team should always be the manager’s priority, whether it’s Moyes or a new face in charge come this summer, they must act quickly to see off any interest in Neufville’s services.
The only issue could be is if the 18-year-old is sick of waiting for a first-chance and wants to move, however the two club’s interested in him at this stage, aren’t going to hand him an opportunity easily either.
Forever West Ham rating: 4/10
