West Ham are keeping a close eye on versatile Torino defender Raoul Bellanova, according to Tuttosport.
The Italian outlet reported in its print edition on Saturday (23 March), as per Toro News, that a West Ham figure watched Bellanova up close against Udinese last week.
Fellow Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Manchester United are also said to be interested in AC Milan product Bellanova.
The report reads: “Bellanova’s excellent season is not going unnoticed, with the Premier League being of interest to him.
“[Bellanova] is attracting more and more attention from English clubs. Aston Villa had already monitored him live in a couple of matches.
“At the Olimpico – on the occasion of Roma v Torino – there was a scout of Manchester United.
“To these two clubs a third has been added: we are referring to West Ham, who sent an emissary to Udine last week to study him closely.”
West Ham United summer transfer target possibly identified
Bellanova has excelled for Torino this season largely as a wing-back, scoring once and assisting five more in 28 Serie A outings.
Given his ability to play in a couple of positions, it is little wonder that he is attracting interest from a number of clubs.
Manchester United are of course a big name, while Aston Villa could potentially offer Bellanova the prospect of Champions League football.
However, West Ham must ensure they put forward their case as to why London Stadium is the best place for him right now.
Unless David Moyes switches things up, Bellanova would likely be used at right-back if he joins, which could be bad news for Vladimir Coufal.
Bellanova is at the age, 23, where he can still further develop and add to the promise he has already showed in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The Irons will not want to be embroiled in a bidding war, but this is exactly the profile of player that will get supporters excited.
In other West Ham news, a billionaire-backed club has made signing an Irons player a priority in the summer window.
