West Ham and Aston Villa are gearing up for a heated showdown as they vie for the signature of Callum O’Hare, the talented winger from Coventry City. The 25-year-old has delivered a significant boost to the Premier League sides ahead of the upcoming transfer window by informing Sky Blues that he will be departing on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

Reports from Football Insider suggest that O’Hare’s decision has piqued the interest of both West Ham and Aston Villa, who are eager to secure his services. Southampton, fresh off booking a spot in the Championship play-offs with hopes of returning to the Premier League, have also entered the fray. Currently, the Saints are set to face either Norwich or West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals as they aim to strengthen their squad for a top-flight comeback.

Nevertheless, Russell Martin’s side faces stiff competition in the race for O’Hare’s signature, particularly with the lure of potential European football at West Ham or Aston Villa. While Villa is on the cusp of clinching the fourth Champions League spot for the 2024/25 season, West Ham is eyeing a berth in the UEFA Europa Conference League should they miss out on Europa competition.

Having declined multiple contract offers from Coventry, O’Hare is looking to make a return to the Premier League after the Sky Blues fell short of the play-offs under Mark Robins. The winger, who can operate on the left flank or as an attacking midfielder, is highly sought after by managers David Moyes and Unai Emery as they seek to strengthen their squads for the upcoming campaign.

O’Hare’s journey began at Villa Park at the tender age of seven, culminating in his debut in a League Cup victory over Colchester United. Following loan spells at Carlisle United and Coventry, he made his move to Coventry City permanent in July 2020. With an impressive record of ten goals and four assists this season, O’Hare further made his mark by scoring against Manchester United in a recent FA Cup penalty shootout.