West Ham are reportedly chasing Cologne midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt according to reports coming out of Germany.

Everton, Spurs, Monaco, Schalke and Hoffenheim are thought to be monitoring the former Germany Under-21 star who has a bargain £7million release clause with his relegated Bundesliga side.

Cologne seems resigned to losing the 24-year-old.  German website Express.De claims West Ham and Everton have registered interest while German newspaper BILD.de claims Spurs, Monaco and Hoffenheim have shown interest.

The German is featured mainly as a left-sided attacking midfielder for Cologne, but despite his attacking intentions, he is also adept at tracking back, working hard out of possession and contributing defensively.

Bittencourt has confirmed that he has had an influx of proposals, but insists he has decided nothing yet. The winger, who is the son of former Brazilian player Franklin Bittencourt, said: “I can only confirm that there are currently various requests from the Bundesliga and abroad.
However, nothing is decided yet.”