western ham United are reportedly in a battle with Everton over a deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Tariq Lamptey, according to Soccer insider information.
After joining the Seagulls of Chelsea In 2020, the 24-year-old made a promising start to his life at the AMEX Stadium. But injury problems have halted his development and he has now found himself completely out of favor this season.
The defender has now entered the final months of his current contract, so if he does not extend his stay at Brighton over the coming weeks, he could agree a pre-contractual agreement with foreign clubs in January.
Now, Soccer insider information claims Fabian Hurzeler's side are willing to sell him in the winter to avoid losing him for free, but Lamptey plans to wait and run out his contract before leaving as a free agent at the end of this season.
Everton have problems at their right-back position and have identified Lamptey as a serious option to solve the problem. They are willing to wait until next summer to sign him for free.
Battle
However, the report says that West Ham are also interested in him and have been closely monitoring his situation. They are even well placed to beat the Merseyside club in this race.
Seamus Coleman has been Everton's first choice right-back over the years, but he has turned 36 and his current contract is due to expire at the end of this season. The defender has had injury problems of late and is likely to leave the club on a free transfer next summer.
Ashley Young is also in the same contract situation as Coleman and will turn 40 next year, so is also expected to leave Goodison Park at the end of this season.
Nathan Patterson is also at Everton but has had injury problems of late so they need a new, younger right back.
On the other hand, Vladimir Coufal could leave West Ham when his current contract expires next summer and if that happened they would have to sign a new right-back to replace him.
It will be interesting to see who will ultimately win the race to sign Lamptey if West Ham take on Everton for this deal.
