WEST HAM are reportedly ready to offer £35million to Juventus for Manuel Locatelli.
The Hammers have enjoyed a solid start to the season despite losing their last two matches.
David Moyes’ side have proven to still be a capable team despite the loss of Declan Rice in the summer.
The England international completed a £105million transfer away from the club as he joined London rivals Arsenal.
West Ham spent the money wisely as stars such as James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez arrived to bolster the midfield.
However, the club could look to further invest in strengthening the squad with a move for Locatelli.
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Italian outlet Tutto Mercato has claimed that the Hammers are willing to offer the Serie A gianst £35m for Locatelli.
The report does suggest that the bid will fail as Juventus are keen to offer the Italian a new contract.
West Ham are not the first Premier League outfit to have been linked with a move for the international ace.
Arsenal have also been touted with an interest in the midfielder in the past.
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It was reported earlier this year that Locatelli rejected a move to the Emirates.
Locatelli’s brother Mattia has explained that the love he has for Juventus was behind his decision to reject a switch to the Gunners.
Speaking to Calcio Mercato, he said: “I still remember the negotiation [with Juventus]. For him it was very long.
“There was also Arsenal, but he wanted Juventus. The clubs kept meeting, but without reaching an agreement.
“Every day I looked at the Gazzetta to check. In Sassuolo he trained separately, in him the desire to change. A real emotion.
“On the day of his debut, he sent us a photo with the shirt and the words ‘I made it’.”
Continuing to describe Locatelli’s love for Juve, Mattia added: “He gives everything for Juve. He loves those colours.
“The first days? It didn’t seem real to him. And then I realised there was a reason he was there with them.
“Manuel is very happy to be there.”
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However, should West Ham be able to convince him to leave his beloved Juventus, then their midfield could look even stronger.
Locatelli could line-up alongside Ward-Prowse and Alvarez in the middle of the pitch in what would be a trio that could rival many of the top clubs in the Premier League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk