The outlet said on their website on April 26 that the 18-year-old is also desired by Arsenal and Manchester United, but Spurs are considered to be the best situated to sign him.

Rigge has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Hammers, but he has been promoted to the under-21s this season after scoring regularly for the under-18s. The talented offensive midfielder only signed his first professional deal in October, but he is now attracting interest from several top-flight clubs.

If Rigge is impressing clubs across the Premier League to this extent, leaving West Ham at this level would undoubtedly be detrimental to the club.

David Moyes has been viewed as reticent to introduce new players into his senior squad, which appears to have led to quality players looking to leave.

Sonny Perkins controversially left for Leeds United two years ago after only three appearances, while Divin Mubama may leave the London Stadium when his contract expires this summer [The Athletic, 29 January].

Rigge may be a long way from being ready to be a regular senior player, but there is a definite need for support in the forward positions right now, and losing a hot prospect from the future generation is unlikely to be popular.

Because he is on professional terms, the Irons should still have a say in his future, but if the alleged rush to sign him is as serious as has been stated, it might be bad news for the club.

With Moyes reportedly set to leave at the end of the season, youth may feel there is a renewed avenue to the first team, depending on who takes over. So the club will have to hope Rigge hasn’t shifted his attention elsewhere if they want to retain him in place long enough to threaten a breakthrough.