West Ham and Chelsea are the two clubs battling for the signature of Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, according to reports.

The Daily Mail claim that the London rivals are both keen on making the Denmark international their new number one.

As well as being a strong shot-stopper, Hermansen is excellent with the ball at his feet, making him a good fit for Graham Potter’s style of play.

However, Chelsea will pose a major threat to the Hammers’ plans. Head coach Enzo Maresca signed him for Leicester during his twelve-month stint with the Foxes and that existing relationship could help the Blues win the race for the keeper.

Hermansen was praised for an “incredible” display last season

Writing on his X account following Leicester’s 4-2 defeat to Arsenal back in September last year, The Mirror reporter Ryan Taylor paid tribute to Hermansen after he nearly recorded a record number of saves:

“Seems crazy to praise a goalkeeper that conceded four goals but Leicester’s Mads Hermansen was incredible today. Made 13 saves – one short of equalling record for most in a Premier League match, set by David de Gea in December 2017.”

West Ham would have to pay a sizeable fee

Hermansen’s asking price was said to be around the £35m mark, but Leicester’s relegation to the Championship, combined with their current financial issues, mean that the Foxes may consider letting him go for less than that.

After tabling a £17m bid for Slavia Prague defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, it appears the Irons do have money to spend on new signings.

Considering the goalkeeper position is one of the key weaknesses in the squad, it may be a good idea to lodge a bid for Hermansen now so they don’t lose out on him.

In other news, Benni McCarthy makes a prediction about what might happen to West Ham next season