West Ham have received “glowing reports” from their scouts about Lille defensive duo Tiago Santos and Leny Yoro, according to TEAMtalk.

The website claims that the pair have turned heads playing in Ligue One this season, with the Hammers keeping close tabs on their progress.

Santos is the more senior of the two at 21 years of age, but he has only recently signed for Lille, having joined from Portuguese side Estoril back in the summer.

He is an attack-minded right-back, having scored his first senior goal during a 2-0 win over Lyon at the end of last month.

Yoro, meanwhile, has been promoted from Lille’s academy. The centre-half is still only 18 years of age but he made his senior debut against Nice back in May 2022. After making 8 league starts last season, he has become a regular starter this campaign.

With Lille having conceded just 11 goals in 14 Ligue One matches, their lack of experience is certainly not harming their performances at the highest level.

West Ham will have rivals for the Lille pair

Considering their form, it is not a surprise to hear that a number of other Premier League clubs are watching the 2 players closely too.

TEAMtalk claim that Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham have also sent observers to see them in action since the beginning of the season.

A new right-back will soon be a priority

With Ben Johnson expected to leave when his contract expires next year, and reports that Thilo Kehrer could be sold, recruiting another fullback could become a priority for technical director Tim Steidten.

Santos may, therefore, be the player that the Irons look to pursue at the end of the campaign if he keeps up his current form. The Portuguese Under 21 international is unlikely to be sold on the cheap, though, considering the interest being shown in him.