West Ham are plotting a January swoop to sign Roma forward Edin Dzeko, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian news outlet claims that Manuel Pellegrini is considering a move for Dzeko, 32, with a huge £21.9million bid on the cards to acquire his services.
It is understood that Roma could be open to the idea of selling the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who earns £77,000-a-week on his current deal in the Italian capital.
Calcio Mercato adds that West Ham would be willing to offer the ex-Manchester City forward a “top salary” in order to lure him to the London Stadium.
Good move for West Ham?
Dzeko is a proven goal scorer, not only in the Premier League, but also in Serie A and the Champions League, so even though he is 32-years-old, he would definitely be a solid addition to the Hammers attack.
The Roma striker has two Premier League titles on his CV and even helped the Italian giants reach the Champions League semi-finals last season against all odds.
£21.9million is not a lot of money in terms of what West Ham could probably afford, but that is a lot for someone who they may only get a couple of years out of.
However there is no substitute for experience and given that Dzeko may be available, it is a move that Pellegrini definitely should consider.
This is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Calcio Mercato claims that Roma would be willing to offload Dzeko to get him off their wagebill, pocket a decent fee and give up-and-coming star Patrick Schick more game time, so there is definitely the chance that the Bosnian will be on the move next year.
Pellegrini knows Dzeko so could be tempted to sign someone who he has previously got the best out of, but paying £21.9million for someone who is 32 does not seem like a great business plan.
This is Futbol rating 6/10