West Ham United and Everton are reportedly set to battle it out for the services of Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall in the summer.
According to a report from The Sun, Joe Worrall could be on the verge of a move to the Premier League next season. The Nottingham Forest centre-back has become a top target for West Ham United, while league rivals Everton and Wolverhampton Wanders are also involved in the chase.
A product of the club’s own youth academy, Worrall has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since coming back from a successful loan spell at Rangers in 2019. The 25-year-old has already racked up 168 competitive appearances for Nottingham Forest, becoming a mainstay in the club’s defensive unit.
A centre-back by trade, Worrall has impressed the onlookers with his imposing 1.90m frame. His performances have also improved with each passing season, making him a defensive asset for Nottingham Forest.
However, Worrall is facing an uncertain future at City Ground and may even leave the club if they fail to earn a promotion to the Premier League. Forest are currently ninth in the Championship table, only two points away from the playoff spot.
West Ham are among the clubs interested in securing the services of the 25-year-old. There is no secret that David Moyes is keen on shoring up his options in the defensive unit next season amid Angelo Ogbonna’s struggles with injuries. Worrall, to that end, could prove to be a useful alternative for the likes of Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson next season.
However, the Hammers are set to face stiff competition from West Ham in the pursuit of Joe Worrall. Much like the Londoners, the Toffees are keen on adding depth in the defensive unit next season, as new coach Frank Lampard looks to ring in the changes in the summer transfer window.
Everton have been linked with a summer swoop for several talented defenders lately, with Lampard having an eye on the future. The same can be said for West Ham, who are among the clubs in contention to sign Joe Gomez next summer.
In Joe Worrall, though, the two Premier League outfit could find themselves an excellent alternative, who has shown immense potential in the Championship this term. And at the age of just 25, the English defender has a bright future ahead of him, thus him a smart long-term investment.
