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West Ham United are set to rival Tottenham for the signature of Jack Grealish, per The Mirror.

The Aston Villa star has long been linked with a move to north London, with Spurs making a bid worth £25million for the playmaker last summer.

What’s the word?

The aforementioned report claims that AFC Bournemouth will join the Hammers and Spurs in the chase for Grealish.

Indeed, England manager Gareth Southgate has claimed that he needs to be playing in the Premier League to be picked by his country.

Nevertheless, Grealish has been in excellent form since his return from injury, scoring two goals in four games, including a superb winner in the Second City derby against Birmingham.

After Spurs failed to secure a move for the 23-year-old, it appears that they run the risk of seeing him slip through their fingers in the summer, with both the Irons and Cherries reportedly exploring the possibility of a deal once the transfer window opens.

Grealish is an excellent attacking midfielder and a move to the top-flight could see him force his way into Southgate’s plans as England continue their qualification campaign for Euro 2020.

A Nasri replacement

With Samir Nasri’s contract expiring at the end of the season, a move for Grealish makes all the sense in the world for the Irons.

The former Manchester City star has not set the world alight at the London Stadium.

He has played just six times, providing a total of two assists, and has probably not done enough to earn an extension.

Bringing Grealish in both replaces the Frenchman and adds an extra dimension to the London Stadium midfield.

He is a brilliant dribbler, has the talent to unlock any defence in the top-flight and is capable of the genuinely spectacular.

It remains to be seen if Manuel Pellegrini’s men can beat Spurs to his signature; they should pull out all the stops to do so.