West Ham and Spurs to battle for 21-year-old England U21 and Ligue 1 stopper
Etienne Green is reportedly attracting Premier League interest in the form of West Ham and Tottenham.
Green was born in Colchester to a French mother and English father. Aged four, he moved to France with his parents and joined Saint-Etienne’s academy at the age of nine. He is now their first choice keeper at 21 years old.
Green had previously represented France at youth level but after switching allegiances to the nation of his birth earlier this year, he made his England U21 debut in the recent 1-0 win over Andorra.
Lee Carsley’s men won the game thanks to Emile Smith Rowe‘s second half strike, with Green required to make just one save in the game.
Although Saint-Etienne have had a torrid start to the season with Green in the sticks, the 6’4″ stopper has done enough to catch the attention of Tottenham and West Ham who are set to battle it out for his signature.
Green recently spoke about his desire to play in the Premier League, in an interview with Talksport. He also revealed a family link with West Ham that could play a part in him choosing his destination when the time comes around.
“I do watch the Premier League. I don’t really have a favourite team but my uncle supports West Ham, so I have to say West Ham!” Green said.
“From what I’ve seen, the Premier League has great intensity but nowadays in Ligue Un we have great players. It’s quite unbelievable to have Messi in Ligue Un, it’s crazy.
“For now I’m focusing on my club, but one day I would like to play in the Premier League.”
Green is contracted until 2o25 but is reportedly valued at just £8m, a more than reasonable fee for a young prospect.
A move to Tottenham for Green would make him the third senior goalkeeper at the club after Hugo Lloris and Pierluigi Gollini. This would further limit opportunities for Joshua Oluwayemi, who has already been linked with a move away.
Roma are reportedly considering a move for the 20-year-old. Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of Oluwayemi, he integrated him into first team training whilst Spurs boss.
Oluwayemi could leave on a free in June 2020.
Mourinho planning swoop for Spurs stopper who could leave on a free in summer