West Ham United are reportedly monitoring a rather exciting young midfielder ahead of the January transfer window...

What's the word?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on the latest episode of 'The West Ham Way' podcast, the Irons hold an interest in Marseille duo Duje Caleta-Car, who is a centre-back, and Boubacar Kamara, a 21-year-old gem.

Perhaps this development should come as no surprise to those around the London Stadium after the club recruited former Les Olympiens scout Georges Santos to Rob Newman's recruitment team in recent weeks.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United have been heavily linked with the young France U21 international since the summer transfer window.

Dream Noble successor

With club captain Mark Noble hanging up his boots in the summer, it could be wise to search for further midfield reinforcements, sooner rather than later.

The Hammers did sign Alex Kral on loan during the summer but he's to make any sort of mark, having been restricted to just two appearances all season.

Kamara is one of Europe's most exciting versatile future talents. He is capable of playing in defence, both in the middle and on either flank, but it is in midfield where he appears to be the very best fit at 5 foot 10.

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He has earned glowing reviews on his ability and potential already at such a young age, including one from ex-Marseille teammate Rolando.

"This kid is a phenomenon," he claimed. "When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.

"He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary."

Since making his debut in France, Kamara has averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.8 headers won and 1.3 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, who also list his strengths as being his aerial and passing ability, as well as his tackling and blocking.

That sort of defensive resilience and intelligence bears some hallmarks to Noble and suggests that he could be a great option sitting a little deeper alongside Declan Rice, who we have seen get forward a lot more this campaign.

Kamara also has experience in Europe, playing 19 times across the Champions and Europa League, so he would fit in well with the ambition of the club and having fellow countrymen Kurt Zouma, Alphonse Areola - who has swapped Ligue 1 for England too - and Issa Diop would surely help an easy transition.

Also lauded as a "jewel" by scout Jacek Kulig, the £25.2m-rated beast could be an exciting and long-term signing in east London.

AND in other news, Huge update emerges on Rice's future at West Ham...