West Ham are one of five clubs pursuing Stade de Reims midfielder Valentin Atangana, according to reports in Germany.

Tabloid Bild claim that the Hammers are vying with Aston Villa, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio and Fiorentina for the “French Jewel”.

Atangana is only 19 years of age but he played 41 times last season, including 33 starts in Ligue One.

Reims are, however, reportedly open to letting him go for around €10m (£8.4m), which would make him a realistic target for Graham Potter’s team.

What do fans need to know about Atangana?

The teenager came through Reims’s academy before making his senior debut against Troyes in February 2023. He is a holding midfield player by trade, having played for France at youth level from Under-17s up to Under-21s.

Atangana only signed a new contract back in December but Reims’ relegation to the second tier means that they will sanction the player’s departure if a team matches their asking price.

West Ham are also targeting another midfielder

Head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay has been tasked by Potter to add more legs and energy in midfield, and Atangana is by no means the only player being targeted for the position.

A move for Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika is also high on the list of priorities.  The Nigerian international does have more experience. He is 24 and helped his team reach the knockout stages of the Champions League last season.

However, the midfielder is said to be valued at around £20m by Club Brugge, which means he would cost more than double what Atangana could be brought in for. The Irons are believed to be up against it in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules so the club may opt for the cheaper option.

In other news, a Serie A club wants to sign a West Ham striker on loan