According to Sport Witness, reporting via L’Equipe, West Ham have made contact with Celtic to negotiate a deal for Olivier Ntcham.

Ntcham only joined the Scottish giants last summer, following a breakout season in Serie A with Genoa. Yet, the 22-year-old’s stay in Glasgow could prove to be a short one.

The French midfielder was in fine form last season, bagging 5 goals in 26 Scottish Premiership appearances. More exciting though is the obvious potential for improvement Ntcham has.

With the Hammers seemingly interested, we could be seeing Ntcham in the Premier League very soon. Before the East London club are able to get a deal over the line though, some other top flight sides would be wise to contend for the talented youngster’s signature.

In particular, Burnley ought to be making a move to land Ntcham ahead of their Europa League campaign.

The Breakdown

Sean Dyche has plenty of work to do at Turf Moor this summer to prepare his squad for the European exploits that lie in wait.

The Clarets’ squad is well stocked with technically gifted and assured central midfielders, with the likes of Jack Cork, Jeff Hendrick and Steven Defour providing a solid set of first choice options.

What Dyche’s midfield contingent currently lacks though is youth, energy and power. All of which Ntcham would provide, as well as goal threat, creativity, and extra depth in the centre of the park. 

Transfermarkt value Ntcham at £2.48 million, meaning a move for the Celtic man could be a great way for Dyche to strengthen his midfield, and build for the future, at a bargain price.