Graziano Pelle posts on Instagram amid West Ham link, Angelo Ogbonna reacts

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Graziano Pelle has posted on Instagram to confirm to supporters that his time at Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng has come to an end amid reported West Ham interest – and Angelo Ogbonna has replied.

Pelle, 35, is now a free agent after his contract – reportedly worth £260,000 a week (Sun) – expired at the end of December. He is now on the lookout for a new home, and the 20-time Italy international could return to England.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham are interested in signing Pelle as they look to provide Michail Antonio and Sebastian Haller with competition. Pelle has an excellent goalscoring rate in the Premier League.

In 80 matches for a relegation-threatened Southampton, he scored 30 goals in 80 games – 23 of which came in the Premier League. The player has now posted on Instagram, sending a touching message to Shandong Luneng fans.

Pelle has enjoyed a brilliant four years in China, scoring 63 goals and creating 24 more in 132 matches for the Asian side. He even helped Shandong Luneng win the 2019-20 Chinese Cup.

But he has now confirmed his exit and it is clear that he is not looking to retire yet. Whether he considers a move to East London remains to be seen, but fellow Italy international Ogbonna applauded Pelle with a one-word message.