West Ham United could swoop for another EFL player as they target a move for Fleetwood Town talent Paddy Lane this summer.
David Moyes has always loved shopping in the EFL market.
Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott were great examples at Everton and it has continued with West Ham.
West Ham have snapped up Jarrod Bowen from Hull City and Craig Dawson from Watford in past windows – and those moves have been masterstrokes.
It therefore makes sense that West Ham will be looking around the EFL for more talent, with Lane believed to be a target.
The Sunday Mirror (17/04, p74) report that West Ham are now keeping tabs on Lane and have scouted him recently.
The 21-year-old talent is being eyed as an understudy to Bowen, who has been linked with a big move to Liverpool in recent times.
Lane has been a sensation for Fleetwood, bagging five goals and eight assists in 36 League One outings.
Formerly of Blackburn Rovers, Lane dropped into non-league football with Hyde United but has made a huge impression for Fleetwood.
Earlier this year, Lane made his debut for Northern Ireland on the international stage and more caps will be on the way.
Fleetwood are in danger of relegation to League Two and many clubs will be looking into signing Lane.
Lane has been hailed as ‘terrific’ by former Fleetwood assistant boss David Dunn, a view many will share.
A move to the Premier League with West Ham has to be appealing to Lane, even if a loan move to the Championship would then be ideal for his development.
David Moyes certainly knows the Lancashire football scene given his history and affinity with Preston North End and Lane may have popped onto his radar.
Lane may not be the biggest name, but his huge potential may just tempt West Ham into striking a summer deal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
