How West Ham can steal a march in Nestory Irankunda race as Sporting concerns come to light

West Ham still have a chance in the race for Watford winger Nestory Irankunda.

The Hammers' summer window has been mainly focused on ensuring that most of Nuno Espirito Santo's top stars remain.

So far, the Irons have done an excellent job, with only Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville departing after big-money bids were accepted.

On the incomings front, it has been incredibly quiet, with only links to players such as Irankunda emerging rather than concrete moves.

However, while other interested parties in the 20-year-old are seemingly pushing ahead to try sign him, West Ham are not down and out yet.

That is at least according to the latest reports emerging from Portugal.

Why Sporting are worried about West Ham in Nestory Irankunda race

West Ham Zone has previously covered that West Ham want to sign Irankunda after Summerville's departure.

The Dutch international's exit has opened up space for a winger to arrive in E20, and the Australian would arrive with Championship experience.

However, things have been quiet on that front since those reports first emerged, with Sporting seemingly ahead in the race.

According to the print edition of Correio da Manha on 30 July, West Ham could enter the race for Irankunda and pip Sporting to his signature.

That is the belief said to be held by Sporting's board, who have tabled a €20million package (£17.1million) to sign the 20-year-old.

Watford have yet to accept that offer, with their owner stating his intention to keep the player. A stance Sporting believe is so his price can be raised.

The Portuguese side believe it is a tactic being used in order to allow other interested parties such as West Ham to enter the race according to the media outlet.

How Irankunda is a history-maker already

Irankunda scored for Australia at the World Cup but that goal came with a record setting statistic.

At just 20 years old, the Watford star became the youngest Australian to ever score for the nation at the World Cup.

It is a remarkable stat to have and one that the winger will undoubtedly cherish and be proud of.

At West Ham, Irankunda could have a record of his own to set, as the Irons' top scoring Socceroos player is Stan Lazaridis, who has just three goals in the claret and blue as per Transfermarkt.

For a player like Irankunda, he would have no problem breaking and setting a new record in E20.