West Ham United are reportedly leading the chase for Angelo Ogbonna, with reports suggesting talks have opened over a transfer to the capital.
The Hammers, who have already opened their 2015/16 season last week when they beat Lusitanos 3-0 in a UEFA Europa League qualifier, have already been active this summer, including the appointment of Slaven Bilic as successor to Sam Allardyce in the hotseat. And the former Upton Park defender has added Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph to his squad.
Bilic will want to do more business before the start of the Premier League campaign next month, as he looks for an improvement on last term’s 12th place finish in what will be the club’s last season at Upton Park before they move into the Olympic Stadium. It has been reported that the Croatian will be given funds to boost his options, and Ogbonna appears to be a top target.
Although no offer has yet to be made for the Juventus defender, it is understood that Juventus would be willing to consider selling a player who has appeared in 41 of their Serie A matches since arriving from city rivals Torino in a €15million deal in 2013. The Italian international, who has 10 caps for his country, has so far two Scudetto’s to show for his time at the Bianconeri.
Everton are also said to be interested in signing the 27-year-old, but according to Goal, West Ham have moved in front of the Toffees after opening talks with the Turin giants in relation to a possible summer transfer. Ogbonna remains under contract at the beaten UEFA Champions League finalists until 2018, but it is understood that he could be available for around £8.5million.
