West Ham United’s pursuit of Anderlecht midfielder Josh Cullen is ‘one to keep an eye on’ as the transfer window develops, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 26-year-old is a product of the Hammers’ academy, but he only made 10 senior appearances for his boyhood club before sealing a permanent move away.

What is the latest news involving Cullen?

Cullen embarked on a series of loan spells away from West Ham at the beginning of his career to further his development, turning out for Charlton Athletic, Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers.

However, regular game time was not forthcoming at the London Stadium, and the 16-cap Republic of Ireland international joined Belgium giants Anderlecht in October 2020.

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham were wise enough to include a 20 per cent sell-on clause and an option to match any future offers the Lotto Park outfit receive for Cullen in the deal.

And after an impressive 18 months or so under the guidance of Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, it seems as though the east London outfit are now keen to re-sign their former young hopeful.

Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid! Full reaction on The Football Terrace...

TEAMtalk claim that Wolves, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Leeds United, Burnley, Norwich, Fulham and Sheffield United have all been following Cullen’s progress closely alongside the Irons.

With just over a year left to run on his existing contract, the combative engine room operator could be available in a cut-price deal, sparking a tussle for his signature.

What has Jones said about Cullen?

A recent report from TEAMtalk has also revealed that West Ham are interested in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, and Jones believes Cullen is ‘probably an alternative’ target to the 26-year-old.

He told GiveMeSport: “It's one to keep an eye on. I don't think it's going to be one that shapes the transfer window, though.

“I think they were linked with people like Josh Brownhill as well, and he’s probably an alternative for a player like that more than anything.”

What is West Ham’s current midfield situation?

First-choice pairing Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek have formed a formidable partnership in the middle of the pitch, guiding the capital club to sixth in the Premier League table and to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Nevertheless, loanee Alex Kral has failed to impress, receiving just 536 minutes of action across all competitions and club captain Mark Noble is set to retire after this season.

With speculation also mounting over Rice’s immediate future, bolstering the midfield may be high up on David Moyes’ priority list for the summer.