West Ham have been linked with a loan move for out-of-favour Inter midfielder Roberto Gagliardini, although the Italian club is reluctant to part ways with the 25-year-old.
The Hammers have struggled in central midfield all season with injuries and underwhelming performances, leaving the club's hierarchy with no other option but to dip in to their pockets this transfer window.
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, the Irons are lining up a loan move for Gagliardini - the Italian central-midfielder who has made 15 appearances for Nerazzurri this campaign, scoring two goals and grabbing an assist in the process.
#WestHam have asked Roberto #Gagliardini on loan, but #Inter would not want to sell him. #transfers #WHUFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 12, 2020
Gagliardini joined the Italian giants from Atalanta in 2017, but has struggled to consistently find his place in the starting lineup under several different managers. However, Inter aren't looking to sell him as they battle it out with Juventus for a long-awaited Scudetto.
Nicolo Barella, Stefano Sensi and Gagliardini himself have all suffered with injuries this term, often leaving Antonio Conte short in the centre of the park.
West Ham have enquired about bringing the 25-year-old to the club on loan until the end of the season as David Moyes looks to add reinforcements in his bid to help the London club avoid relegation.
Seemingly the Hammers will be unable to acquire Gedson Fernandes' services, with Benfica's 21-year-old edging closer to a move to London rivals Tottenham.
Therefore, signing Gagliardini would be a massive coup for the club, who have been guilty of underachieving all season.
The defensive-minded midfielder has six caps for Italy and has been in and around the Inter starting lineup of late, which means this may be a difficult deal to thrash out for the Irons.
The east Londoners have already made signing a goalkeeper their number one priority following another injury to Lukasz Fabianski, with both Darren Randolph and Neil Etheridge currently being courted by the Hammers, who are set to bring in a number of players this window.
Source : 90min