Preston North End midfielder Lewis Leigh only signed a new contract last month but he is still wanted by both Everton and West Ham United.
That’s according to a report from Football Insider. They claim that West Ham are particularly keen on signing Leigh.
West Ham have allegedly been ‘hugely impressed’ with Leigh this season, which is quite something given that Leigh hasn’t appeared for North End this season.
Leigh has featured for North End’s youth and reserve teams, but West Ham keeping tabs on those games would be a surprise right now.
Leigh, 17, featured under Frankie McAvoy in pre-season and was given a senior squad number of 17.
Formerly of Liverpool, Leigh is one of PNE’s hot prospects and signed a first professional deal in August.
That was to fend off Premier League interest, but it seems that West Ham and Everton have not been deterred.
Leigh has been compared to the likes of James McCarthy and James McArthur by North End boss Frankie McAvoy.
The teenager has a battle on to get into PNE’s first team, with Ben Whiteman, Ryan Ledson, Alan Browne, Daniel Johnson and Brad Potts all available, as well as new signing Ali McCann.
It would be interesting to see PNE’s response if West Ham did make a considerable cash bid in January.
North End are never blessed with riches, and given that there are so many midfielders at the club, there could be a temptation to sell if there is an offer in seven figures – even if Leigh looks to have a big future at PNE.