£7m tug of war – Dortmund are giving Koppen his biggest West Ham test

West Ham United face serious competition from Borussia Dortmund for Zaglebie Lubin attacking midfielder Marcel Regula, according to Dan Owen. The 19-year-old Polish talent is reportedly available for a permanent transfer fee in the region of £7 million. West Ham recruitment chief Nils Koppen targeted Regula for January, but former Zaglebie Lubin president Pawel Jez stated that Dortmund are actively planning for the youngster's future.

German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten reports that Regula has become Dortmund's top target for the January window following an impressive senior international debut for Poland. Owen believes convincing Regula to choose the Championship over Champions League football will be Koppen's most difficult recruitment challenge yet, noting that Burnley previously had a £7 million bid accepted before the player turned down a move.