Premier League rivals West Ham and Everton are set to go head-to-head for the signing of Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro this summer, according to Tutto Sport.
The Italian sports news website claim that the pair have both shown interest in the 24-year-old but could face a fight in the form of Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, who is keen to keep the central player at the Turin side.
Sturaro joined the Italian giants from fellow Serie A Genoa back in 2014 before being immediately loaned back to his former side for a half-season loan.
Since returning to the Juventus Stadium, he has gone on to make 71 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and chipping in with another five assists.
A versatile player who can operate defensively or in an attacking position in the centre of the pitch, Sturaro is very much a squad player at Juventus, having made just 12 starts out of his 21 Serie A matches during the last campaign.
He also managed to earn himself four Champions League appearances, although failed to appear in the squad past the group stages, as his side reached the final only to be beaten by Real Madrid.
The Hammers’ interest may come as a surprise to fans, after West Ham news website Claret and Hugh reported that the club are not in the market for a central midfielder this summer.