West Ham target Watford youngster Dion Pereira, but face competition from Newcastle United

Watford youngster Dion Pereira is wanted by West Ham and Newcastle United and could leave Vicarage Road for a small fee.

The 18-year-old broke into the Watford first-team squad this season, coming on as a substitute in the matches against Leicester and Manchester City in May – though he has yet to sign a professional deal with the Hornets.

Pereira, a left-footed wide player, has been offered terms by Watford but is considering his options. As well as West Ham and newly-promoted Newcastle, Brighton – who will also play in the Premier League next season – are interested along with Reading.

Pereira was named the club’s young player of the year at Monday’s awards ceremony at Wembley, yet his future is uncertain. Pereira first played for Watford at Under-9 level but is weighing up his future.

Watford would be entitled to compensation were Pereira to leave but that would be decided at a later date by a tribunal.

Pereira was given his opportunity by the recently-departed Walter Mazzarri but some feel he may decide to pursue his career elsewhere, given the regularity with which Watford change their managers.

Slavisa Jokanovic, Quique Sanchez Flores and Mazzarri all failed to convince the Pozzo family, the club’s Italian owners, that they deserved a second season in the role. Jokanovic led Watford to promotion from the Championship in 2015, while both Flores and Mazzarri kept the side in the Premier League.