West Ham ‘intensifying pressure’ for signing – Hammers ‘have moved’ for deal ‘in recent days’

It’s no longer a secret that West Ham United are interested in Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri to improve their defence.

Reports of talks taking place have emerged in England, Italy and even France (he was on loan at Lyon last season), and Gazzetta dello Sport bring the latest on the situation on Wednesday.

As well as West Ham, Lazio have been keeping an eye on the defender, who got on well enough with Maurizio Sarri when the two were together at Chelsea, but it appears the Hammers have the advantage.

That’s because they’ve taken the first steps, and despite the Italian manager’s ‘dream’ of bringing Emerson back to Italy, the London side ‘have moved on him in recent days, and could take him outright for about €15m’.

According to Gazzetta, West Ham are ‘intensifying pressure’ for the signing.

Chelsea, down their end, ‘have no intention of holding him back’, which is why Lazio have ‘had contact with both the English club and the players entourage’.

Should the Italians make their own move, ‘the idea is to offer a paid loan with an obligation to buy’, but that isn’t the money up front West Ham appear to have ready for the Italy international.

Something to keep an eye on.