West Ham were one of “a host of Premier League clubs” who “watched” Gent left wingback Archie Brown in action last weekend, according to HITC Football.

The website claims that representatives from the Hammers, Chelsea, Brentford, Fulham and Leeds have been keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old in recent weeks.

Brown completed the full 90 minutes on Saturday, but his team suffered a 4-2 away defeat to Standard Liege, with his team staying 7th in the Belgian Pro League table.

The defender has been in decent form this season, though, providing 2 assists in 32 appearances, and HITC claim that his performances have also attracted suitors in other countries.

Who is Archie Brown?

The Englishman came through Derby’s famed youth system before leaving the UK on a free transfer for Swiss side Lausanne-Sport in the summer of 2021.

Brown spent two years in Switzerland, breaking into the first team and making 43 appearances before joining Gent in August last year.

He is a left-back by trade but he is equally comfortable as a wingback, where he has played the majority of his games this campaign. He can also be deployed at centre-half in a back three if needed.

West Ham already know his asking price

A number of reports in the British media have confirmed that Gent will demand around £15m for Brown. Considering the number of interested clubs, that figure is not a complete surprise, despite the fact that Gent paid just €4m for him last summer.

The Hammers will be in the market for a new left-back. Aaron Cresswell’s contract is not expected to be renewed. The 34-year-old pressed for a move away to Wolves at the start of the season and he has been Emerson’s understudy since then. He could well leave the London Stadium on a free at the end of June.