West Ham are among a number of clubs chasing the capture of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie as the Italian giants look to sell him for both his behaviour and financial reasons, according to CalcioMercato.
The Italian publication claim on their website that the Irons are joined by the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal in hunting down a potential deal for the Ivory Coast star as the San Siro outfit look to snap up a £34million (€40million) price for his sale.
It is stated that the 22-year-old has been something of a troublemaker in Milan, getting involved in a scuffle in the dugout with Lucas Biglia, and that his relationship with the top brass has become severely strained as a result.
Good move for West Ham?
Kessie is a highly rated talent in Europe and the opportunity to snap up his signing would give Manuel Pellegrini a real upgrade to his current options in the middle of the park.
Powerful, energetic and with great technique on the ball, it would be a real coup for West Ham to seal his capture ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.
With plenty of midfield options already at the London Stadium, he would likely only be brought in if there were some first team exits, while the £34million price tag is a hefty price to pay for someone who is still not entirely proven at the top level of European football.
Still, compared to the likes of Jack Wilshere and Pedro Obiang, he would be a great signing in east London.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10
Likely to happen?
Being involved in a chase for his capture is one thing, securing his signing is another and quite frankly the Hammers just do not have the pull that their rivals do.
Tottenham and Arsenal are both able to offer European football, not to mention a hefty amount of money, and so it would take something special for the Irons to have Kessie on board.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10
