Report: West Ham monitoring Inter Milan starlet Filip Stankovic

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West Ham United are reportedly keeping tabs on young Inter Milan goalkeeper Filip Stankovic.

According to Calciomercato, the Hammers are following the 17-year-old, but the Nerazzurri want to keep hold of the starlet.

Born in Rome, the Serbia U19 international – who is the son of former midfielder Dejan – is viewed as a huge prospect by Inter, although he is yet to make his first-team debut.

He’s featured regularly for the club’s U19s this term though, making 17 appearances in all competitions, including three in the UEFA Youth League.

Inter’s current goalkeeping options are Samir Handanovic, Daniele Padelli and Tommaso Berni, and all three are in their mid-thirties – it is, therefore, little wonder Inter are keen not to lose Stankovic.

West Ham’s apparent interest comes after a season of struggle in terms of goalkeeping.

When Lukasz Fabianski got injured in October, he was replaced by Roberto who endured a nightmare run.

He’s since joined Deportivo Alaves on loan but the likelihood is that the Hammers won’t be keeping him.

With Fabianski and David Martin both ageing, it is understandable the club are seeking a considerably younger stopper.

TBR’s view – Fresh impetus

For years West Ham have had older goalkeepers and although experience can be good, sometimes a younger man has the ability to react quicker.

The highly rated Stankovic is only 17, but could be a nice change of pace for the Hammers.

Fabianski is a fantastic goalkeeper but his age may soon catch up with him – having a younger goalkeeper keeping on his toes though could well keep him at the top for a little while longer.