Gloucestershire Live reports that West Ham United are close to sealing the signing of Derby County youngster Luke Thomas.

The Hammers are set to snap the winger up for £1.2m with his old club Cheltenham Town set to receive a windfall payment of £180,000 due to a sell-on clause in his deal.

Thomas has been scouted by West Ham after catching the eye in Derby's youth sides.

He has made two first-team appearances so far, both of which have come off the bench, but he was named as Derby's Young Player of the Year this season.

Prior to this campaign, Thomas had a taste of senior football when he spent a period of time on loan at Gloucester City in the National League North.

The 19-year-old is now set for an exit from Pride Park with West Ham thought to be close to completing this deal.

Derby have received a £1.2m offer from the Irons for their teenage talent as the Premier League club look to test the Rams' resolve.

Owner Mel Morris wants to sell players to generate funds for transfers this summer and he could be tempted to accept this offer from West Ham, who are looking to strengthen their youth side in East London.

The Verdict

With Gary Rowett leaving to join Stoke City, Derby do not have a manager who can put his foot down and prevent this so you would imagine that Morris will just sell.

Receiving over £1m for Thomas could be seen positively by the Rams, who will want to use that money to bring in first-team ready players.

The starlet has a bright future and might see a chance to move to a Premier League club as an opportunity he cannot resist.

Derby fans - Would you be disappointed by this? Let us know below...