The Hammers – along with Arsenal and Spurs – are being reported as holding an interest in Republic of Ireland youth international Elvis Azah.
The 17-year-old winger has been with Cardiff City’s under 18s for his pre-season where he scored two goals against our under 18s in a friendly.
Azah, who is comfortable playing either on the wing or further forward, spent time on trial at Celtic earlier this year.
He previously had trials with Manchester United and Everton but they couldn’t sign the youngster because he didn’t have Irish citizenship at the time.
Azah was born in Ghana to Ghanaian parents but moved to Ireland with his mother at the age of 11 and recently received his Irish citizenship, meaning he can sign for English clubs.
The teenager has also represented the Republic at Under 15 and Under 16 level and played junior football with Deen Celtic, a club in Co. Kilkenny, and top-flight side Waterford.
According to The Mail after moving to London Azah drew the attention of scouts when playing in an AG Football Academy ‘BE NEXT’ showcase match back in October.
The teenager’s chief attributes are his pace, acceleration, ball control and ability to beat players, attributes that are impressing a growing number of high profile clubs.
Sign him up, we can chant “Elvis has now entered the penalty box !!! Gooooaaaallll !!!! “
The North London clubs undoubtedly have a greater financial muscle compared to us. However, in Declan,we have the wildcard. Dec is not only a fan favourite at club level but also an upcoming national hero. Declan can easily convince Azah to join us because of his great influence and reputation.
However, Declan is not his boss. The decision lies squarely in Azah’s hand. Nevertheless with all due respect it would be ‘foolish’ to brush the West Ham chance away.
A system that has given football great talents (such as Bobby Moore, Harry Redknapp, Paul Ince, Geoff Hurst, Frank Lampard sr &jr, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand, James Tomkins, Mr West ham and more recently we have had the Quina’s, Browne, Holland, Cullen, Toni Martinez, Junior Stanislas and the man himself, Declan Rice. Honestly the list is endless.) should not be ignored.
It’s simply, ‘The Academy of Football’.
COYI !!!!!!!