Hammers scout Italian defender

West Ham are being linked with a move for Serie A league outfit SPAL’s defender Francesco Vicari,

Calciomercato.com claim the Hammers will look to raid the Italian club  after being impressed with the defender’s performances in Serie A this term.

But the reality is that at this stage the Hammers are merely scouting the player rather than being ready to make any January offers

The club’s scouts are in action all over the world every week and usually two or three a season are brought in during the windows so to discuss a move and fee is very premature.

Club scouts watched Vicari last week at the San Siro when the 23 year old was involved in a defeat by Milan..

The former Italy under-21 international is playing in his first season in Serie A after helping SPAL secure promotion last season.