The Derby Telegraph has denied reports that Luke Thomas is flying back from pre-season to complete his move to West Ham United.

GloucestershireLive reported that the Derby winger was heading back early from their pre-season training camp in Tenerife to finalise a move to West Ham and thrash out personal terms.

Thomas has been a long-term target for the Hammers, who are hoping to add the youngster to their squad to bolster their options for the future.

The Irons reportedly bid of £1.2m for Thomas back in May but reports that he was flying in for talks with the East London outfit are wide of the mark.

The 19-year-old was named Derby's Young Player of the Season last term and he is highly regarded by the Championship club.

Frank Lampard is currently running the rule over his squad options in pre-season and Thomas might be set for some more opportunities in the first-team.

The former Cheltenham Town player has played twice for Derby's first-team and had a loan spell at non-league Gloucester City.

After signing a new three-year contract in 2017, Thomas may not be off to West Ham after all.

The Verdict

This is a boost for Derby because Thomas has a bright future and will be hoping for first-team chances.

If he impresses Lampard in pre-season, there is no reason why the teenage talent should not be a regular for Derby next season.

A move to West Ham would be peculiar, given that he would be behind Marko Arnautovic, Michail Antonio, Robert Snodgrass, Nathan Holland, Martin Samuelsen, Marcus Browne, Sead Haksabanovic and others in the attacking midfield department.

Derby fans - Are you pleased with this news? Let us know below...