West Ham United are interested in signing Preston North End youngster Lewis Leigh, according to Football Insider.

Leigh was heavily linked with a move away from Deepdale over the course of the summer, with Premier League sides Arsenal, Everton and Leicester all credited with an interest.

But North End resisted temptation to sell the young midfielder, and managed to tie him down to a first professional deal with the club until 2024.

It seems as if North End will have to keep on fielding interest in Leigh, though, with Football Insider reporting that West Ham have set their sights on the 17-year-old.

A move will obviously have to be made in January, but the Hammers will keep an eye on Leigh's progress going forward until then.

Leigh is yet to make a first-team appearance for North End but made the bench last season, and will be eager to feature as soon as possible.

The Verdict

Leigh looks a huge talent and it is likely that other clubs will be registering tier interest for months and years to come.

Preston tying him down to a new deal, though, is great business and a great decision, as they can now demand a fee for their player.

If he hadn't signed a professional deal, then North End will have only been due some compensation and tribunal, rather than a substantial fee.