West Ham have warded off interest from top Premier League clubs including the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham and agreed terms on a professional contract with 16 year old Chinaza Nwosu.

The youngster has agreed to stay with the Hammers and will sign his professional contract when he turns 17. As reported by Football Insider on the 4th of July, West Ham were battling to keep academy prospect Nwosu after the young midfielder had been the subject of interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, who were all in discussions with Nwosu’s team over a potential move.

16 year old Nwosu is seen as one of the most exciting youngsters to come through the Hammers academy in recent times. Despite being the tender age of 16, the midfielder has been playing for the older age groups in the clubs academy. Nwosu played 12 times for West Ham’s U18 side last season and was also named as a substitute in the 18’s FA Youth Cup third round tie.

Nwosu also has caps for England at both U16 and U15 level. Current regulations from the FA mean that the midfielder cannot sign professional terms until he’s 17 years old. Having now agreed a professional contract with the Hammers, Nwosu will put pen to paper next summer.

Tying down one of the clubs most highly regarded youngsters to a professional contract, fending off the interest of big clubs in the process, is a clear statement of intent from West Ham.

It could also be seen as a sign that under new head coach Julen Lopetegui there will be more of a pathway for the clubs academy talents to get first team opportunities.