West Ham United continue to monitor Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu as a potential alternative to Burnley centre-half James Tarkowski, according to the London Evening Standard.
Hammers boss David Moyes issued an impassioned plea for investment in the Hammers squad following the Premier League opening day defeat to Newcastle, with reinforcements at the back the priority for the Scotsman.
West Ham have been involved in a high-profile and public pursuit of Tarkowski this summer, with the latest report suggesting the East London club are weighing up whether to make another move for the Burnley enforcer.
The Hammers started with Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna at the back in the defeat to Newcastle, but many of the frailties that were badly exposed last season reared their ugly heads in the 2-0 defeat at the London Stadium.
West Ham’s reported interest in Tomiyasu has been mentioned again, with the 21-year-old Japan international seemingly catching the eye of visiting scouts.
The defender has had one season in Italian football after a move from Belgian side Sint-Truden, with the centre-half also representing his national side on 18 occasions.
West Ham have until October 5 to reinforce a squad lacking in defensive depth, both at centre-half and in the full-back positions, but it remains to be seen just how much the East London outfit’s hierarchy will make available to purchase new players.