West Ham are pushing hard to sign Portsmouth prospect Leon Maloney.

The Sun says Chelsea have been interested in signing Maloney, after they received a number of scout reports suggesting that he could develop into a top player.

The Hammers have now joined the race for the young Englishman, and will be looking to seal the signing before next summer.

Chelsea won't be able to make any signings until summer 2020, after FIFA handed them a transfer embargo, thus giving West Ham an advantage.

If West Ham can convince Maloney to move to the London Stadium sooner, rather than later, they'll beat Chelsea to his signature.

But, Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini also faces competition from Dutch second division side Volendam.