West Ham In ‘Pole Position’ To Beat Tottenham To Defender

Tottenham Hotspur have made a verbal offer for Birmingham City defender Rico Browne. However, West Ham have stolen a march on their London rivals. According to Football Insider, the West Midlands side have granted permission to the defender to head to the Hammers for a trial.

The 17-year-old has already had one trial with Spurs and apparently did well enough to be offered an 18-month deal. However, the offer came too late, and West Ham have been able to make their own move for the youngster. Browne is expected to link up with the Hammers on Monday to start his trial.

Browne will join up with the Academy of football for an ‘extended spell’, which will see him tested against the club’s current crop of youngsters. There will also be the opportunity for Browne to play in academy matches, which will give him another platform to impress and earn a contract at West Ham.

West Ham could strengthen their academy by signing one of Birmingham City’s most promising youngsters, beating Tottenham in the process.

The teenager has become available as the Blues try to revamp their academy set-up, switching from under 18s and under 23s to B and C teams. This model has been set by Brentford, who are having great success with it, and Birmingham are hoping to copy the Bees.

The West Midlands side have started producing good quality youngsters. Last summer, they lost Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund and not so long ago had another prospect leave for Liverpool. Calum Scanlon joined the Reds for £500,000 in the January transfer window.

This is not the first time West Ham and Tottenham have battled for a Championship defender. Last summer, both teams were interested in Swansea City defender Joe Rodon. The Welsh international ended up moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. This time around, West Ham look set to win the battle.