West Ham could beat Liverpool to the loan signing of Real Madrid wonderkid Martin Odegaard, according to French news outlet Ouest France.
The report claims Real Madrid are eager to ship the 17-year-old out on loan within the next 48 hours, with Liverpool and West Ham named as potential destinations.
Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane reportedly views the Norwegian youngster as surplus to requirements and is willing to let him leave for first team opportunities.
However, the French report goes on to claim that Real will choose who he will be loaned out to, instead of allowing Odegaard decide, and West Ham could prove to be a far more attractive option.
With Europa League football and a brand new stadium to boast this season, West Ham may be seen as the ideal place for Odegaard to develop and gain some important first team experience.
Liverpool is supposedly Odegaard’s preferred destination, but it seems he may be forced to ply his trade in East London instead – though it is claimed there are a number of other clubs in the frame for his signature, including Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais.
Transfermarkt.com value Odegaard at just £2.13m.