I'm not sure where the figure and assurance comes from. As far as I'm aware, the very fact he signed a pre contract agreement prevents the vultures coming a calling, let alone the likes of Bournemouth and Reading competing with a high flying W.H. for his signature. Is this a number picked out of the air by lazy journalists?
As for the highlighted segment. It was reported that West Ham didn't follow up any original interest probably BECAUSE they would be able to get the lad in pre contract.