West Ham remain in talks with Fiorentina over the possible transfer of 23 year old central defender Nikola Milenkovic.
David Moyes has made Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma his No 1 target over recent days but the deal is looking less likely than earlier with ClaretandHugh learning that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel remains keen to keep the player at Stamford Bridge.
He has been involved in pre-season friendly games and if he is to move on at all, Chelsea favour a deal with Sevilla. in part exchange for Jules Kounde.
In the meantime the Hammers have switched attention back to Molenkovic who has already been the subject of an opening bid reported to be in the region of £14 million.
The 23 year old Serbian is a tough tackling individual who made 47 appearances for his club last season collecting two red cards along the way.
His contract runs out next June and at this point is seen as a stronger possibility than Zouma.