West Ham will continue to monitor Kerr Smith after nearly signing him on transfer deadline day last month...

What's the word?

That's according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, who delivered a fresh update on the situation on the recent episode of 'The West Ham Way' podcast.

He said: "A guy called Kerr Smith who we were close to signing on deadline day, he is one as well who we are keeping an eye on."

The Irons were linked with the Dundee United gem during the summer, with The Sun's Alan Nixon claiming that there was also interest from Premier League rivals Southampton and Crystal Palace.

It was even thought that manager David Moyes wanted the 16-year-old to come to London for talks over a potential move, which speaks volumes considering his age.

Moyes masterclass

The Hammers, and Moyes in particular, made some very smart signings throughout the summer, ranging from the arrival of Champions League winner Kurt Zouma to the addition of potential future star Thierry Nevers.

Smith would undoubtedly be a signing for the long-term but the fact that the 58-year-old would have liked to speak to him personally suggests that there is a first-team element in mind - and understandably so.

The young centre-back has already made his senior bow for the Terrors and has racked up a total of seven appearances since the start of last season.

It's thought that Smith has a £500k release clause in his contract, which for a Premier League side like West Ham is peanuts. He has even trained with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Everton, as per the Courier, so he's clearly caught the eye in recent years.

The vastly experienced Mark Connolly, his teammate at Tannadice Park, spoke glowingly about the teenager back in April this year.

"Kerr, who played beside me, was fantastic. He’s 16 years of age and it’s incredible," he told reporters after a defeat to Kilmarnock. "It’s the way the football club wants to go, bringing young players through, and this boy’s ready."

The 6-foot emerging talent would fit into the mould of what Moyes has been doing in recent times, having overseen the progression of academy talents like Ben Johnson.

If the Scotsman can secure one of the biggest talents from his home country, then he deserves to be lauded for pulling off another masterstroke in the transfer window, especially after being given the full authority over such decisions.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops exciting transfer claim on West Ham's interest in EFL "game-changer"...