Report: West Ham interested in Portsmouth youngster Leon Maloney

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West Ham are reportedly interested in Portsmouth rising star Leon Maloney.

According to the Sun, the Hammers are joined by Premier League rivals Chelsea in the pursuit of the 18-year-old.

It is understood that the attacker has emerged on their radar after scoring 26 goals for Portsmouth’s academy side last season.

The report explains that the top-flight pair are eyeing the English teenager and believe he can become a top player in the future.

Meanwhile, Dutch second-tier side Volendam also want to sign the Portsmouth talent and Fulham have shown an interest.

Maloney is a wide man that has great pace and skill, while he’s shown he’s got an eye for goal too.

He usually operates on the right wing and was given his first-team debut by Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy.

TBR’s View:

Maloney is an exciting talent that is being tipped for a big future, so it will be a positive addition if West Ham can win the race for him.

He’s still trying to find his way into the senior team at League One club Portsmouth and a return to them on loan should be considered if they do sign him.

West Ham have already had a decent summer window by adding the likes of Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller to the squad at the London Stadium, so the pressure should be on manager Manuel Pellegrini to see some improvements.