Davide Santon is expected to leave Inter Milan this summer after failing to force himself into Roberto Mancini’s plans last season.
The former Newcastle defender was mainly used as a back-up, and now he’s determined to leave the Serie A club to get regular playing time.
Santon came close to signing for Sunderland last month, with reports suggesting the player had traveled to England for medical examinations, but the deal collapsed at the last minute.
The Italian defender has been linked to several Premier League clubs, and the latest reports suggest West Ham have re-entered the race.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio, West Ham are interested in the services of Santon, and have made an attempt to sign him.
West Ham approached Inter for a loan deal, and negotiations are ongoing. The London club could pay a loan fee of €550k, with an option to buy the player for €5.9m.
Di Marzio highlights Sunderland and Napoli failed to agree a deal with Inter, so it remains to be seen if West Ham can strike a deal.
It’s not just Napoli and Sunderland, a whole line of clubs have reportedly been very close to signing Santon, not just in this transfer window, only for a deal to collapse.
At the time of the Napoli transfer failure, it was reported in Italy the club were concerned Santon needs a meniscus operation, and so pulled out.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, the outspoken chief at Napoli, made it clear why the club had pulled out, and it would be a surprise if West Ham are unaware of this.
