West Ham United’s hopes of signing Youri Tielemans could prove pointless as Leicester City lead the race for his signature, according to Sky Sports News.
The Foxes had identified the Belgian international as a potential January addition earlier in the window, but as talks are yet to be concluded, rival bids have been touted.
Amongst the rival clubs aiming to pip Claude Puel to the 19-cap international’s name are London duo West Ham and Arsenal, while Newcastle aim to present opposition from further north.
The trio, however, are likely to miss out on Tielemans altogether, with the central midfielder likely to move to the King Power Stadium on loan for the remainder of the season.
Leicester are hopeful that a deal will be concluded before Thursday’s deadline hits, and are in talks with Monaco over the transfer, which could include Portugal international Adrien Silva heading the other way.
Sky Sports News understands that the Foxes hope a swap-deal will be met as Puel feels the pair have similar qualities, despite Silva’s failure to establish himself in the Premier League.
The loan deal for Tielemans is likely to include an option to buy in the summer, as well, so if Manuel Pellegrini has any desires for the former Anderlecht star joining his ranks at the London Stadium, the Hammers will have to get a move on.
