West Ham were reportedly one of three Premier League clubs to send scouts to watch an EFL Trophy fixture this week.
League One side Charlton Athletic faced Southampton Under-21s at The Valley on Tuesday and the hosts ran out 4-1 winners.
Striker Jayden Stockley scored twice, before Ben Purrington and James Pearce secured a resounding victory for the Addicks as Olly Lancashire grabbed a consolation for the Premier League youngsters.
According to a report from All Nigeria Soccer, as cited by melodyinter.com on Twitter, the Hammers were particularly impressed with Deji Elerewe.
The report claims Manchester United and Chelsea also had scouts watching the ‘exciting’ youngsters on show, but the 18-year-old centre-back ‘caught the eye’.
Described by Nigel Adkins as ‘exceptional’, this season the teenager has made four first-team appearances for Charlton – including two fleeting league outings.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
During David Moyes’ second tenure at the London Stadium, there has been a concentration on signing talented young talent.
It would certainly appear Elerware fits into that category and with a contract due to expire in 2022, West Ham look to be in a position of strength to make this deal happen.
Elerewe would join the likes of Frederik Alves, Thierry Nevers and Armstrong Okoflex as recently signed academy starlets.
