According to reports in The Sun, West Ham United among a host of Premier League clubs interested in signing £60,000-rated Hartlepool striker Connor Simpson, who has been described as the 'new Andy Carroll'.

What's the word, then?

Well, The Sun says that the Irons are leading top flight rivals West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City in the race to sign the highly-rated 17-year-old during the January transfer window.

Despite being yet to sign a professional contract with Hartlepool, Simpson has already made a big impression in his appearances for the north-east outfit and The Sun says the prospective £60,000 fee would rise substantially if he made it into the West Ham first team.

How has Simpson done this season?

Despite not turning 18 until the New Year, the teenager has scored one goal in four National League appearances for Pools this term, while he has been an unused substitute in their last two fixtures.

The striker made his debut for Hartlepool in League Two during the previous campaign, but he was unable to prevent them from suffering relegation.

Why would West Ham want him?

Standing at 6'5" tall and left-footed, Simpson offers something that not a lot of young strikers do.

When you take into consideration his height, his preferred foot and his birthplace of Guisborough near Middlesbrough, it is no surprise that the comparisons to Irons centre-forward Andy Carroll have followed.

Would he be a good signing?

As one for the future, he certainly would be. West Ham have become used to playing with a big striker with Carroll in their side – when he isn't injured – and they will need to start thinking about bringing in a future replacement for when the 28-year-old eventually leaves the London Stadium.

However, you would think that first and foremost Simpson needs to continue his development at a lower level, although the Irons would have the option of loaning him out if they did buy him.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/fplshow11.mp4