Report: West Ham and both Manchester clubs eye Bundesliga teenage sensation

Add as preferred source on Google

The Sun have claimed that West Ham United and both Manchester clubs are interested in signing Hoffenheim youngster Ilay Elmkies this summer, for a bargain £2.5million fee.

Elmkies, 19, has been compared to Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara, as he continues to work his way up through Hoffenheim’s youth teams. Indeed, he has broken into the club’s second string despite his tender age.

The Israel Under-19 international can play in either holding midfield of more of an advanced role, and starred against Manchester City in last season’s UEFA Youth League – even scoring against them in a 5-2 win.

But his future with Hoffenheim seems uncertain, given the player has just 12 months remaining on his current deal. It is believed that only a compensation fee is due, which is worth £2.5million.

TBR’s view – Elmkies must choose West Ham

Elmkies is certainly a player that has enormous potential and one that is likely to make it at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. That is why West Ham simply have to move now.

For £2.5million, they are not only getting a youngster that has a bright future, but one that can immediately go into first-team training and push for a place in Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Elmkies would be best suited in moving to east London, too. At either Manchester club, the likelihood is that he will get pushed down the pecking order and sent on loan. At West Ham, he has a chance of senior football.