Josh Landers has given West Ham United plenty to think about before the transfer deadline after scoring a first-half hat-trick with sporting director Mark Noble watching from the stands.
The 19-year-old struck three times for the U21s against Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, although West Ham eventually suffered a dramatic 5-4 Premier League 2 defeat.
The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas reported that Noble was in attendance as Landers tore Chelsea apart during the first half.
Landers gives West Ham deadline decision
The timing could hardly be better for Landers.
ExWHUEmployee previously reported that West Ham are prepared to allow the striker to leave on loan, with Cheltenham, Southend and Ayr United among the clubs credited with interest.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph also revealed earlier this month that Ayr had submitted a formal loan offer.
Landers has continued scoring while his future remains unresolved.
The Scotland youth international was recently included in Nuno Espírito Santo’s senior matchday squad before extending his scoring run for the academy.
ReadWestHam highlighted Landers’ push towards the first-team picture earlier this month.
A senior loan could still make sense for his development.
But scoring a hat-trick in front of Noble just before the deadline is certainly one way of making sure West Ham think carefully before deciding where Landers spends the season.
