West Ham United are said to be interested in Derby County youngster Luke Thomas.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been in fine form for Derby County’s Reserve and Under-23 sides this season, form that earned the starlet a call up to the first-team.
So far, Thomas has featured in Championship games against Queens Park Rangers and Bolton Wanderers as a substitute.
Forest-of-Dean born Thomas joined The Rams from Cheltenham Town in January 2016 after impressing for the Robins’ reserve team
He made his first-team debut in an FA Trophy fixture at home to Chelmsford City before leaving for Pride Park.
In the 2016/17 season Thomas had a brief loan spell with National League North club Gloucester City alongside his older brother and Tigers captain Kieran. Luke scored once and made a handful of assists in 15 appearances under Tim Harris.
Upon his return to Derby County, manager Gary Rowett offered Thomas a new three-year deal with the club, which he signed in October 2017.
Now a well known hot prospect, West Ham are said to be among a number of Premier League clubs potentially vying for the youngster’s signature. Southampton, who Thomas turned down in favour for a move to Derby, have also been linked with the player along with Bournemouth, Huddersfield and West Bromwich Albion.
Cheltenham Town received a tidy sum of £25,000 when Thomas made his first senior appearance for Derby County and if the teenager does make a move to the top flight, The Robins are likely to benefit financially once again.
