ExWHUemployee pours cold water on reports suggesting West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Celtic ace Olivier Ntcham

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French media outlet Foot Mercato broke the news yesterday that West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham, but reliable Hammers insider ExWHUemployee has poured cold water on the claims.

The Hammers have already signed Tomas Soucek from Slavia Prague on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy in the summer.

It could be argued that David Moyes needs more central midfield reinforcements, however.

And Foot Mercato has claimed that Celtic ace Ntcham is a target.

ExWHUemployee has claimed that those reports are untrue, however:

The 23-year-old Celtic midfielder has really impressed during his time in Scotland. He has made 117 appearances for the Hoops, and has racked up 21 goals and 11 assists in those outings (Transfermarkt).

The Frenchman also won the treble last season.

Ntcham was deployed as an orthodox central midfielder during his his first couple of years at Celtic Park, but has been converted into more of a number 10 by Neil Lennon (The Herald).

Missing out on the Hoops ace would be a shame

Now, with Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson, it could be argued that West Ham do not need another attacking midfielder.

But the Celtic ace is so much more than that. The 23-year-old shines in the big games, as documented here by the Herald:

“He has been putting in eye-catching performances. In Celtic’s 2-0 win at Ibrox, for instance, Ntcham was brilliant when he came on – misplacing just one pass and playing a key role in his side’s second goal – and was arguably the best midfielder on the pitch.”

According to France Football, Celtic would consider selling the midfielder for around £14.4 million.

He is obviously highly rated at Celtic Park, with Neil Lennon describing the 23-year-old as an ‘unbelievable player’ (BBC).

Considering his age, Ntcham is a real talent, and he will surely only continue to improve as he gets older.

He would be a really smart signing for West Ham. But judging by Ex’s tweet, it seems as though it’s somewhat of a non-starter. And that is a real shame.