According to a report in the paper edition of The Mirror (via West Ham Zone), West Ham United are now eyeing a new target as news emerges on attacker Paddy Lane.

The lowdown: Bursting onto the scene

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Signed for current club Fleetwood Town from Non-League Hyde United in 2021, the Northern Irish winger hadn't been involved at a professional level prior to making the switch to the League One outfit.

The 21-year-old has made an instant impact in the North West and has rapidly become a regular starter for Stephen Crainey's side.

Now another rapid rise could be on the horizon for the talented youngster.

The latest: Hammers interested

As per the Mirror (Page 74 via WHZ), the Hammers, and by extension manager David Moyes, are reportedly 'keeping tabs' on Lane ahead of the summer transfer window.

It's claimed that the Irons view the versatile ace as a 'potential understudy' to Jarrod Bowen.

Furthermore, the report states that West Ham have sent club officials to scout the one-cap senior Northern Ireland international who has been dubbed the 'next Jamie Vardy' due to the similarities in his career pathway to date.

The verdict: Make it happen

Albeit far from a well-trodden path to the elite level, every so often a story such as this comes along and this time the east London club should do everything in their power to be the benefactors.

In truth, Moyes has developed a penchant for creating a squad full of players that have taken different routes to the elite level, Michail Antonio and Bowen to name just two,  and adding Lane to the London Stadium ranks would be another smart addition this summer.

Described as a 'top player' by Crainey, so far this season the Northern Irishman has scored five times and provided another eight assists in 36 league outings whilst operating in a variety of midfield positions.

Whilst the report makes no mention of a fee, it's unlikely that the League One Young Player of the Year nominated youngster would be an expensive outlay for GSB and therefore certainly one the club should be pushing to complete.

In other news: Three West Ham players struggled in 1-1 draw with Burnley! Find out more here.