Report: West Ham now want to sign £20m gem tipped to become 'one of the best players in the world'

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West Ham United are currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Newly-appointed manager Julen Lopetegui has really struggled to implement his philosophy at the London Stadium and his future is far from secure.

In fact, BBC journalist Simon Stone believes Lopetegui could be sacked by West Ham if he fails to pick up positive results against Newcastle United and Arsenal in their next two games.

So it’s set to be a telling few weeks for West Ham and whilst that unfolds, the recruitment team are drawing up a list of targets for the Janaury transfer window.

One of their rumoured targets has just come to light and he could replace Lucas Paqueta, who’s being linked with a return to Brazil.

• READ MORE: West Ham's £12m sale was a good move as 'struggling' star transfer-listed again already

West Ham interested in James McAtee

According to The Sun, West Ham are showing an interest in Manchester City gem James McAtee this winter.

The Hammers are assessing potential replacements for Paqueta, who could be sold to Brazillian outfit Botafogo.

McAtee is viewed as the ideal successor after two productive loan spells with Sheffield United, both in the Championship and Premier League.

The City youngster is on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s first team at the moment and looks unlikely to break into the first 11 any time soon.

So he could be allowed to depart if suitors meet his £20m valuation – which could prove to be an absolute bargain.

McAtee stats vs Lucas Paqueta

McAtee, who’s been tipped to become ‘one of the best players in the world’, has really impressive underlying data.

Here is how his statistics compare to Paqueta’s, as per FBref.

Evidently, McAtee’s underlying data isn’t too dissimilar to Paqueta’s, so if he were to replace him in January, there’s no doubt he could fill the void.

A telling winter window awaits West Ham.

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