West Ham are surprise leaders in the race for highly-rated Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti, according to Sky Sports News HQ.
The France U21 international has previously been linked with PSG, Barcelona and Spurs, and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s hottest youngsters.
Umtiti, 22, is predominantly a centre-back but is also more than capable filling in at left-back.
He rose to prominence a few seasons ago and caught the eye of many fans in England after scoring a screamer against Tottenham in the Europa League in 2013.
The youngster’s performances for Lyon this term earned him a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the European Championships this summer.
Umtiti made 38 first team appearances for Lyon last season, scoring one goal, and is valued £9million by Transfermarkt.com.
It is not yet known how much Lyon would be willing to accept for the defender’s services, but the fact we’re reportedly leading the race for Umtiti’s signature will come as a surprise to many.
