---
title: "Virals: West Ham ‘keeping an eye on’ Preston North End starlet Lewis Leigh"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2021/09/14/virals-west-ham-keeping-an-eye-on-preston-north-end-starlet-lewis-leigh/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2021-09-14T16:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-09-14T16:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: West Ham ‘keeping an eye on’ Preston North End starlet Lewis Leigh

[West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2021/09/13/virals-west-ham-loanee-nathan-trott-earns-season-first/) are reportedly keeping tabs on Preston North End midfielder Lewis Leigh.

This follows a report earlier in the year from [Football London](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-everton-leicester-tracking-championship-21188104) claiming that the Hammers were keen on the teenage starlet.

Leigh ultimately stayed at Deepdale and [signed a professional contract](https://www.pnefc.net/news/2021/august/lewis-leigh-pens-professional-deal/#:~:text=Preston%20North%20End%20are%20pleased,since%20joining%20at%20U14%20level.) with the Lancashire club until 2024.

Now, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has told his [West Ham Way](https://www.patreon.com/posts/twhw-podcast-new-56084979) podcast that the Irons remain keen on the youngster.

> The club are looking at getting some young players signed up. One is Lewis Leigh, \[he\] plays for Preston. He’s someone we’ve scouted and are continuing to monitor.

> Preston youngster Lewis Leigh, 17, was being monitored by the likes of Arsenal, Everton and West Ham.\
> \
> Talented midfielder who is certainly one to watch in the Championship this season. [#AFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [https://t.co/RC8MqQ7OYF](https://t.co/RC8MqQ7OYF)
>
> — Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) [August 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/ChrisWheatley/status/1425913471896625155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Leigh has appeared on the [first-team bench once](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/lewis-leigh/leistungsdaten/spieler/747367) this season for a Carabao Cup second-round clash with Morecambe.

Despite being [highly regarded](https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/preston-north-end-whiteman-leigh-21048752) by the Lilywhites and featuring in pre-season preparations, the teenager is [yet to make a senior appearance](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/lewis-leigh/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/747367) for the club.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

With so little to go off, it’s hard to cast a judgement on the links to Leigh.

In terms of the club seeking out young talent, however, that’s a shrewd approach from [David Moyes](https://readwestham.com/2021/09/10/mark-lawrenson-predicts-shock-west-ham-result-this-weekend/) and co.

West Ham has been heralded for many years as an excellent breeding ground for some of the [countries biggest and brightest talents](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/west-ham-united/jugendarbeit/verein/379), something the hierarchy should be looking to revert back to.