West Ham United 'beat Newcastle United, Everton, Brighton in race for Irish starlet'

West Ham United are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Cliftonville starlet Sean Moore.

The 17-year-old winger enjoyed a breakthrough 2022-23 campaign with the Northern Irish outfit, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 26 top-flight appearances.

Moore scooped the Young Player of the Year prizes at the Northern Irish Football Awards and Ulster Footballer of the Year Awards and has since attracted interest from a host of clubs across England and Scotland.

The Belfast Telegraph claims that West Ham, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton and Ipswich Town have all been closely monitoring the Republic of Ireland Under-19s international, while Scottish treble-winners Celtic have also been credited with an interest.

However, the same report, via EXWHUEmployee, claims that West Ham have won the race to sign the highly-rated teenager, who will join the Europa Conference League winners on July 1.

Cliftonville are said to be receiving an initial fee of around £170,000 from the Hammers, although that figure could rise to as much as £500,000 with add-ons relating to first-team appearances.

While West Ham are eyeing up young prospects for the future, David Moyes is set to part ways with first-team captain and star midfielder Declan Rice, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Arsenal after a £105m bid was accepted by the Hammers on Wednesday.