West Ham are interested in a move for striker Mario Balotelli and are one of several teams in the hunt as his contract with French top-flight club Nice expires in the summer , according to Aspor.
The Turkish news outlet claims that the Hammers are keen on the 27-year-old Italian that has been in sensational goalscoring form this campaign.
It is understood that Galatasaray, Valencia and Schalke are also mentioned as interested parties.
Balotelli has netted 22 times across all competitions this term for Nice, with 14 of them coming in the league.
The centre-forward is renowned for being a troublemaker from his time in England with Manchester City, but has calmed down somewhat recently.
Good move for West Ham?
West Ham would be signing the whole package if they landed Balotelli and he certainly has a mean streak, but controversial characters have quite often gone down well with the London Stadium.
David Moyes’ side most importantly are lacking a clinical goalscorer and the Nice forward ticks all the boxes.
He has managed to rediscover his best touch while in France with Nice and most Premier League fans would love to see him return to England.
West Ham should task the risk given that he is a free transfer and his goals would help them climb up the table, but they must of course avoid relegation this season.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Balotelli looks set to depart Nice in the summer despite his incredible form and it’s clear to see why he is such an in-demand player.
West Ham need to address their forward issues over the summer, but face big competition to try win the race for his signature.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10