West Ham are tonight being reported as being ready to join the race for Parma midfielder Marco Parolo.

Currently with the Italian squad in Brazil, the 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Lazio after the tournament who are believed ready to close the deal at around £10 million.

However Parma may be willing to wait until after the World Cup to see if his price tag increases on the back of the national team’s performance.

Both Napoli and the Hammers have been mentioned in Italian media reports as other clubs showing an interest.

However, it seems unlikely that following the arrival of midfielder/defender Cheikhou Kouyaté the club will be ready to make another major investment in the same area of the pitch.

The Hammers are known to be looking primarily for a left back and central striker and  co-owner David Sullivan told ClaretandHugh last night: “We are hoping to bring in three or four following the arrival of  Cheikhou.”