This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Premier League outfit West Ham United are thought to be keeping tabs on Hull City winger Keane Lewis-Potter ahead of a potential January move, according to TEAMtalk.

The 20-year-old made his first-team breakthrough at the MKM Stadium during the 2019/20 campaign, making 21 Championship appearances before really coming alive last term.

In League One, was able to score 13 times and register six assists in 43 third-tier displays, playing an instrumental part in the Tigers' title-winning campaign last season and subsequent return to the second tier of English football.

 

 

And he has been a key player in East Yorkshire once again this term, with West Ham United now reported to have joined Southampton in the race for his signature.

This wouldn't be the first high-profile signing the Hammers have made from Grant McCann's side in recent years, recruiting former Hull star Jarrod Bowen last February for a deal said to be in the region of £22m.

He has gone on to be a success, with Keane-Potter already recording four goal contributions in ten Championship displays so far this season and looking destined to reach the Premier League on his current trajectory.

The 20-year-old signed a new deal in January to keep him at the club until 2023, but should they do everything they possibly can to prevent one of their prized assets from making the move to David Moyes' side?

We asked three of our writers at Football League World this question.

Chris Thorpe

Absolutely, but of course they have to be realistic about how they want to manage their finances.

He came close to leaving the club previously and if the likes of West Ham come calling in the near future, his head could be turned.

He needs to prove himself regularly in the Championship first and then the interest should follow in earnest.

There is still just under two years to run on his contract, but Hull will be wary of him potentially running down his deal.

If they really want to hold onto him, talks will need to kick off soon over fresh terms.

Marcus Alley

Yes.

I do not see Lewis-Potter commanding many first-team opportunities with the Hammers so a loan deal back to the MKM Stadium for the rest of the season could be a possibility.

If their start to the season is anything to go by, the Tigers are in for a long relegation battle this term and Lewis-Potter is a key man in looking to fire the goals to get them out of trouble.

Mallik Wilks has had a slow start to the campaign and Josh Magennis has never set the world alight in the second tier so the 20-year-old cannot be allowed to leave.

The only condition on his exit would be if the Tigers have lined up replacements to reinvest any transfer fee straight away.

If that is not possible then Lewis-Potter joining the Hammers would be hugely to the detriment of Hull’s survival bid.

Billy Mulley

I am not entirely sure what to make of a Hull City team without Keane Lewis-Potter.

The 20-year-old was excellent during last season's title win and there is no denying that he can go on to achieve brilliant things in his career.

He has two goals and two assists this season, proving to be one of the more prominent attacking players in regard to creating chances, however, he is struggling to have enough influence.

With the Premier League clubs sniffing, and the fact that he is still 20 years old, he should regenerate a hefty fee for The Tigers.

His creativity and positivity would be missed if he does depart, but the money they would make from his sale could be justified if they do manage to bring in players.