West Ham United set for offers as Tottenham lead four-way race for Dan Rigge – Fabrizio Romano
Dan Rigge is happy at West Ham but multiple clubs still intend to “test the water” over signing him away from the club in the next few weeks, Fabrizio Romano reports.
The Italian transfer journalist reported via Twitter on 27 April that there are four teams in the race for the teenager, with Tottenham currently leading.
It had emerged a day earlier that both Arsenal and Manchester United were also interested in the 18-year-old, who has been impressing in the age group sides at the club.
Romano wrote: “Tottenham are currently leading the race to sign 2006 born talented midfielder Dan Rigge from West Ham.
“There are four clubs in the race, Rigge’s happy at West Ham after positive season — but several clubs are prepared to test the water in the next weeks.”
Can West Ham keep teenager from Spurs and Arsenal?
It’s certainly a positive that Rigge isn’t actively angling for a departure from the Irons, but if multiple clubs are set to make a run at him they must suspect there is at least a chance that he might want to leave.
Whether the amount of money that could be put on the table would be enough to convince the club that it was worth an exciting youngster leave is another matter, although the more clubs in the race the more likely that is.
The Hammers are apparently about to embark on a new era with David Moyes likely to be replaced, and given the Scot’s detractors have been unhappy with both his defensiveness and his lack of willingness to turn to young talents it would seem to be a good idea to keep hold of players like Rigge.
He has yet to make a first-team appearance for the club and nothing is guaranteed in top-level football but the versatile attacking midfielder has so far impressed.
And it is unlikely to be popular if a potential star of the future were to leave before getting a proper opportunity with the Irons, let alone if he departed for a local rival like Spurs.
In other West Ham news, agents are now pushing a treble-winning manager for the Irons who Tim Steidten is already a fan of.
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