West Ham United 'closing in on ex-Manchester United youngster'

West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a deal for former Manchester United youngster Mipo Odubeko.

The powerful 16-year-old forward left the Red Devils in the summer after feeling that there was no clear pathway to the first team, having scored 35 goals for the club's various youth sides.

The Republic of Ireland Under-17 international had also been linked to clubs on the continent, with Juventus and Atletico Madrid believed to be among the interested parties.

However, Football Insider reports that following the Hammers' submission of a 'lucrative offer' to the highly-rated striker, 'it is only a matter of time' before Manuel Pellegrini's men conclude a deal.

West Ham would be forced to pay United a compensation fee under FA rules for the work they did to cultivate the talents of Odubeko, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria at international level, during his formative years.