(Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

According to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato, West Ham United are in advanced talks to sign Olivier Ntcham from Celtic.

The Hammers have so far made a quiet start to the January transfer window. Darren Randolph has been the club’s only signing at this stage.

But with the Irons dangerously close to the relegation zone in the Premier League, it would be no surprise to see that situation change in the very near future as the deadline looms.

And it appears that one player potentially on his way to the London Stadium is Ntcham.

According to Foot Mercato, the Celtic star is in advanced talks with David Moyes’s side over a move back to England two and a half years after he left Manchester City.

TBR View – Ntcham could prove an exciting signing for West Ham

The 23-year-old has come in for criticism at times since he arrived at Celtic. But he is also a player who has produced some of his finest performances in the Hoops’ bigger games.

He has scored three and provided three assists in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League this season.

Ntcham has also displayed his versatility under Neil Lennon. He predominantly featured as a central midfielder under Brendan Rodgers, but he has also done well since being pushed further forward under the current boss.

It is perhaps surprising that the report claims that the two clubs are in advanced talks. It does appear that there has not been a lot of speculation surrounding Ntcham so far this month.

So it will be very intriguing to see if the reported talks lead to a late move getting the line.