West Ham will battle Chelsea and Sporting Lisbon to sign RB Leipzig left-back Matthew Bondswell in the January transfer window, according to reports in the UK.

The 18-year-old joined the Bundesliga side after turning down a professional contract at Nottingham Forest two years ago and he has been excelling whilst playing out on loan at Dutch second division side FC Dordrecht this season.

Bondswell has been limited to seven appearances due to injury problems but he has impressed visiting scouts with his displays, which could lead to the Hammers making an approach in the New Year.

It remains to be seen whether David Moyes’ side will be able to persuade the teenager into making the switch to the London Stadium, although there would certainly be more chances for the player to make his first-team breakthrough than at the likes of Chelsea.

Arthur Masuaku has been playing at wingback but with Aaron Cresswell now being deployed as a centre-half, Bondswell could be offered the chance to compete for a place on the left-hand side.