Report: West Ham eye Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini

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Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed on his personal website that West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini – but the player is yet to be convinced.

Italy international Gagliardini, 25, has been in and out of the Inter side this season due to injury and rotation under former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. He has started just nine of Inter’s 19 Serie A matches.

West Ham need central midfielders with Jack Wilshere still on the sidelines through injury, while Carlos Sanchez has hardly been the signing Manuel Pellegrini wanted him to be. Mark Noble and Declan Rice are the main two options for David Moyes.

Indeed, the Hammers wanted Gedson Fernandes, but he looks likely to sign for Tottenham Hotspur. Now, the ex-Atalanta midfielder is another name on the east Londoners’ shortlist – but they have work to do in convincing him to join West Ham.

TBR’s view – Gagliardini would be a stunning signing for West Ham

Firstly, the Hammers desperately need a central midfielder as for the reasons aforementioned. Rice has not been as good as last season, while Noble is ageing and has spent time on the sidelines through injury.

A box-to-box midfielder, Gagliardini can pass, dictate the tempo and get forward. In 87 appearances for Inter, he has scored nine goals – including two this season. He would be an excellent signing, proven by Inter spending £24million to sign him (AP).