YOUNG footballer Danny Atkins wants to nail a contract with the Hammers.

The 15-year-old striker, who attends The Hereson School in Broadstairs, hopes that the skills that have made him one of Kent’s top young players will win him a contract at Premiership team West Ham United.

The Upton Park outfit has a great track record for nurturing young talent into high profile superstars – this ranges from England’s 1966 World Cup winning trio Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Bobby Moore, to today’s national heroes such as Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand.

Danny, who has played for Ramsgate at every age level, was spotted by West Ham scouts and now has six weeks working with the club to secure a full-time contract.

Andy Plant, head of PE at Hereson, said: "Danny has undoubted potential, talent, enthusiasm and determination and this was picked up on by the scouts.

"This is a great chance for a skilful young footballer to really make his mark."