West Ham United will have to provide assurances of first-team football if they want to tie young midfielder Domingos Quina down to a new deal, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report that the Hammers have made a new deal for Quina a top priority following his performances for Portugal in their victories European U-19 Championship campaign.
The Mail claim that Quina is attracting interest from some of the continent’s top clubs, with several suitors said to be willing to guarantee first-team football for the 18-year-old.
It is said that Quina is eyeing regular first-team minutes next season, and West Ham may be forced to cash in if they cannot persuade him to stay, with the Portuguese having just one year left on his current deal.
OPINION
It is hardly surprising to hear that Quina is eyeing up regular first-team football. The youngster has long been tipped as one of the club’s most talented academy players, but has yet to be given a real chance to shine for the senior side. Granted, the 18-year-old has actively disappointed during a few of his six first-team games for the Hammers, but it must be remembered he is still so young. Now that he has impressed on the world stage for Portugal this summer, Quina will be even more keen to get the chance to shine next season, and West Ham must be prepared to grant him that. Losing him now would be a big loss after a year of helping him develop, and the club would likely live to regret his exit in the near future should it happen. Manuel Pellegrini has handled the summer perfectly so far since being appointed manager, and this will be a big test for him to deal with before the start of the season.
