A new name has surfaced this Sunday afternoon with a report suggesting [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-midfielder-drops-massive-hint-he-could-stay/) are – get this – leading the chase for a Bundesliga midfielder who has been generating plaudits in the German u21 side in the recent championships. Whilst the German side endured the heartache of extra time defeat to England, one of their midfielders may well one on his way out of Germany with a three-way chase, apparently, involving Premier League sides – headed by the Hammers.
Reported by [teamtalk.com,](https://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/transfer-news-leading-two-prem-rivals-race-german-sensation-bids-imminent) their article entitled:
_“West Ham leading TWO Prem rivals in race for German sensation; bids imminent – sources:”_
Puts the name of German rising star **Rocco Reitz** firmly in the spotlight. _Teamtalk_ go on to claim :”.._with talks underway over striking a deal”._
The report goes on to reveal that a £17 million release clause is in place for Reitz, and both Brighton and Fulham are on his trail too: The youngster has been compared, apparently, with German superstar Michael Ballack which, if you are old enough to remember the former German footballer of the year and barnstorming midfielder, are pretty big boots to fill for the 23 year-old Reitz.
A very ‘Potter’ profile – age wise, Reitz is another in the long line of fast, powerful creative _young_ midfielders linked with the Hammers this summer. Surely an indication of where the recruitment team’s priorities have been aimed.
Prophetically, a report from December suggested -according to Sport Bild- _“Borussia Monchengladbach could be forced to sell one of their most promising stars in Rocco Reitz as a release clause and financial pressure mounts on the club.”_
Definitely one to watch.