West Ham beat off competition from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Wolves and Brighton to secure the signing of young centre-back Justin Osagie, according to reports.

It was claimed earlier this month that the Hammers had snapped up the defender but it has now become clearer how many teams the London club saw off to land the Southend United player.

Osagie will go straight into West Ham’s academy, with Southend being entitled to compensation after developing the centre-half from a young age.

The teenager has been described as a versatile player having the technical ability to play in midfield, as well as in defence, which will likely draw comparisons to Declan Rice.

Osagie is eligible for both England and Nigeria, with both associations said to be keeping a close eye on his progress but, whether he’ll make it to first-team level, like Rice, we shall have to wait and see.