West Ham are in talks with Sassuolo over a deal to sign Italy international striker Gianluca Scamacca.
The 23-year-old frontman, who netted 16 times in 36 outings in Serie A last season, has been the subject of negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks but the Ligue 1 champions are yet to strike an agreement.
Now the Hammers are looking to hijack the deal after entering formal discussions with the Italian outfit as fellow striker target Armando Broja prepares to jet off to the United States with Chelsea on their pre-season tour next week.
David Moyes’ side are willing to pay a total package of £40m – £34m upfront and £6m in add-ons – to sign Scamacca, who would provide healthy competition for Michail Antonio in attack.
Sassuolo are looking for £45m in order to agree to a sale with Inter Milan also among the long list of clubs keen on the highly-coveted frontman.
Attacking midfielder Giacomo Raspadori was also mentioned during club-to-club discussions with West Ham but the Irons are currently prioritising the signing of Jesse Lingard following his release from Manchester United.
