IF EVER there were a true litmus test proving that [West Ham United](https://www.claretandhugh.info/mersons-zero-points-claim-rubbished-west-ham-news/) have a serious star of the future on their books, it would be the sudden emergence of interest in the youngster from Championship sides- either those battling to stay up or those hoping to be in the race for promotion.
As with Freddie Potts and George Earthy last year, whose successful loan spells galvanised both Bristol City and Portsmouth to offer to sign them permanently, serious interest from within the Championship offers a pretty strong indication that there is, within the Hammers set up, a diamond in the rough just needing some polish to become a true gem:
As is now apparent with **Mohamadou Kanté.**
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According to a report this afternoon, ( [footballinsider247.com](https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-multiple-clubs-make-contact-over-signing-west-ham-sensation-mohamadou-kante/)), Kante has been the subject of interest from multiple clubs as the West Ham youngster’s exploits continue to impress in his first full season in England.
Apparently : _“A number of Championship sides have enquired about Kante’s potential availability in the New Year, either on loan or on a permanent basis.”_
Which tells us everything we needed to know about Kanté’s quality. Whether his coaches deem it suitable for him to get some experience within the championship or, now that Nuno has brought him into the Seniors squad to train, he’s deemed ready to be fast tracked into the match day squad – will be a decision for his manager.
The prolific and combative midfielder is still only 20 years old so it will be a judgement call for Nuno: Kanté has _already_ attracted a heap of interest which would seem to suggest there is a top-quality player there just waiting to be nurtured through to Premier League level.
Tim Steidten’s best signing? Hopefully.
Kanté has just signed a new Hammers long term contract until the summer of 2031 so the chances of West Ham selling the youngster just now would appear slim to zero. A loan might well fast track him: However, there’s no guarantee of a successful spell away. Just ask Lewis Orford who cannot get game time at third tier Stevenage.