---
title: "West Ham reportedly interested in James Bree"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2017/01/10/west-ham-reportedly-interested-james-bree/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2017-01-10T09:51:07Z"
modified: "2017-01-10T09:51:07Z"
---

# West Ham reportedly interested in James Bree

Under Slaven Bilic, West Ham have made it a priority to sign talented young players and develop them at the club until they’re ready for first-team football.

The likes of Ashley Fletcher, Domingos Quina and Martin Samuelsen have all been signed and handed their first-team debuts under Slaven Bilic, not to mention the likes of Reece Oxford having an opportunity to impress as well.

Bilic has his eyes on another young talent in Barnsley defender James Bree, according to the [Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-lead-chase-big-9591944). The likes of Manchester United, Southampton, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City are all keeping tabs on the teenager.

![Pete Norton/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2017/01/587912534.jpg)

Bree appears to be the next highly-rated defender to come along the Barnsley conveyor belt following John Stones and Mason Holgate who came before him.

The 19-year-old has been watched by the Hammers during the season but they may need to act fast if they wish to sign him as Aston Villa have launched a £4m bid to sign the player this month.

West Ham have a number of talented young defenders in-house currently, namely Oxford and Reece Burke, but the addition of the right-back Bree could give the Hammers some cover competition for Sam Byram, something they desperately lack.