West Ham likes to continue signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa with the midfielder who is currently keeping his options open during his future in the long term.
Although Ramsey is well claimed by Villa boss Unai Emery, his status as a home-grown player means that a final transfer costs represents pure profit in the Clu brokennesses-crucial in the current era of Premier League expenditure rules.
Villa has been willing to listen to offers for Ramsey since the transfer window has been opened and it is thought that it appreciated him at around £ 40 million.
Although they still have to make a formal offer, it is thought that the Hammers have identified Ramsey as an ideal player to strengthen their midfield, but Mail Sport understands that the 24-year-old has so far still convinced by the idea of becoming a member of Villa's Premier League rivals.
Nottingham Forest also showed interest in the window earlier.
If Ramsey is still in Villa at the start of the season, what follows will probably decide for him. If he regularly gets playing time, Ramsey will probably remain and even sign a contract extension, whereby his current deal will expire in two years.
But if he is left on the margins, the former midfielder of England under 21 can conclude that it is time to break the ties with his boys' club.
West Ham -Baas Graham Potter is desperate to add quality to his midfield with Ramsey High on the list of goals of the club, although his current price tag of £ 40 million will probably prove a bottleneck.
The Hammers are also interested in his former Villa teammate Douglas Luiz, who is now in Juventus, but whose wages are expected to be too high for West Ham, as well as Liverpool game maker Harvey Elliott.
Ramsey's agent Will Salthouse has a close relationship with Hammers -Baas David Sullivan and also represents Callum Wilson, who has just been affiliated with a controversial free transfer.
The rise of younger Freddie Potts in the preseason has a bit illuminated, although it is understood that West Ham would want a few midfielders before the window closes.