West Ham tipped for transfer 'battle' with Aston Villa as double deal gathers pace rapidly

West Ham United are said to be interested in a move for a highly-rated youngster - but they are not alone, as fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa have recently thrown their hat into the ring. The two teams are now expected to be embroiled in a transfer battle for the 21-year-old's signature - but who will emerge victorious?

In addition to this, the Hammers have also been linked with a move for a 19-year-old who currently plays in Denmark. West Ham are believed to be in advanced 'talks' with the starlet - can they get a deal over the line before the conclusion of the January transfer window?

Aston Villa and West Ham looking at Mandela Keita

Both West Ham and Aston Villa are interested in Royal Antwerp's Mandela Keita. He is currently on loan at the club, but it is expected to become a permanent deal - when this happens, the Irons and the Villans could make a move for his signature.

This is according to a report from HLN, who mention that Antwerp are hopeful that they can get a fee of no less than £17 million for Keita's services. Villa and West Ham aren't the only interested parties, either - the report mentions that he is also earning admirers from France, though it does not name the clubs in question.

West Ham in 'talks' for Ibrahim Osman

West Ham have entered 'talks' regarding a move for Ghanaian starboy Ibrahim Osman, according to a report from Sky Sports News on X (formerly Twitter). Should a deal be completed, his parent club, Nordsjælland, would require the Hammers to pay a fee of around £15 million.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Osman is enjoying plenty of success in the senior ranks. So far this season, he has scored a single goal, alongside four assists - he has been a regular fixture of Nordsjælland's first team in the current campaign. The news come as Kalvin Phillips prepares for his Hammers medical, ahead of joining on loan from Man City.