Joe Roberts

Sun 8 October 2023 10:05, UK

West Ham United have put Wigan Athletic centre-back Charlie Hughes on their transfer list, according to Alan Nixon.

Taking to his Patreon (8 October), the journalist shared that the Hammers have sent “top” scouts to watch the League One defender after his excellent spell in the Wigan first team.

West Ham sees the 19-year-old as a potential first-team option in the future but understands there is interest from other Premier League clubs and could act quickly.

Smart

Recruitment from the lower divisions can often reap high rewards. The player’s potential may thrive in a Premier League environment and the club themselves can often get a bargain.

Hughes emerged in the final half of last season for Wigan, making his senior debut in the League Cup against Fleetwood. He remained a mainstay after Christmas and has since gone on to captain the Tics in League One.

Wigan announced (29 July) that Hughes had signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2028, meaning they won’t let go of him for a cheap fee. However, the lure of Premier League football will be strong, and Hughes could be eager to take that next step in his development. The Hammers would be able to afford what Wigan demanded, but it would just depend if their price is fair.

This season, the former Liverpool academy player has added goals to his game, netting twice in League One already including a cool finish just inside the box against Burton Albion on Tuesday (3 October).

If West Ham genuinely considers him a future first-team star, then they should act quickly to attempt to bring him to Stratford. While he would not be offered regular action under David Moyes in his early months at the London Stadium, the Hammers could convince him to join if they detailed their plan for the youngster.

This could prove to be a shrewd move from West Ham who will want to keep their streak of excellent signings going.

In other West Ham news, a Hammers star has reacted to Declan Rice comparisons.