West Ham in pole to land French target, Slaven Bilic set to exert pressure

 

West Ham United are in pole position to sign Sassuolo forward Grégoire Defrel, according to claims in Italy. The 24-year-old has been in impressive form for the Serie A side this season, and has also been linked with AS Roma and Marseille.

TMW have reported today West Ham will look to move in on Defrel as Slaven Bilic looks to strengthen his attacking options in the next transfer window. The Hammer’s problems in attack have been well documented this season with the misfiring Simone Zaza, and the traditional fitness worries with Andy Carroll.

Zaza is expected to return to Italy, or move to Valencia, in the new year despite only joining West Ham in the summer transfer window, and TMW say Bilic will now focus on landing Defrel.

However, West Ham will face competition from AS Roma, who are looking at the option of bringing in Defrel to replace Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger will be heading to the Africa Cup of Nations next month, and the Serie A side want Defrel to plug the gap left by the former Chelsea player.

Ligue 1 giants Marseille are also showing an interest, but won’t be able to compete with West Ham and Roma on Defrel’s wage demands.