West Ham United are eyeing a move for Juventus ace Samuel Mbangula as the Serie A giants prepare for a summer overhaul, according to TMW.
Mbangula made waves earlier in the season when Thiago Motta was still on the hot seat, but now seems poised to leave the Bianconeri when the transfer window opens this summer.
Reports from Italy suggest that Mbangula could be one of the first departures from Turin, with Juventus keen to cash in on the winger while his stock is still high.
The Hammers have been told it will take around €20 million (£17m) to sign him – a fee that would allow Juventus bank pure profit for a player that came up through their academy.
It would also go a long way in helping the Bianconeri balance their books.
Mbangula showed flashes of his quality when he was given a chance in the senior team, but he hasn’t shown he has the consistency to perform at a high level.
But that might have something to do with his sporadic playing time in Turin. Mbangula has featured 23 times in Serie A but has only been named in the starting line-up seven times.
Nevertheless, he has returned three goals and four assists. He has also created two big chances and boasts a 52% success rate in ground duels.
Mbangula struggled for playing time as the season progressed, but a number of clubs are still keeping a close eye on his development.
Serie A clubs have shown interest, but it’s the attention from abroad that’s generating the most noise.
West Ham have been linked with a move for Mbangula in the past and could reignite their interest this summer, with the Hammers keen to bolster their attacking options.
Crysencio Summerville came in last summer with plenty of promise, but injuries have slowed down his development, although West Ham fans have seen a glimpse of what he can offer.
Nevertheless, the Hammers could do with another left-sided winger, especially with Mohammed Kudus heavily linked with a summer exit.