According to a report from the Evening Standard, West Ham could be set to battle it out with Newcastle for Bologna right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Both the Hammers and the Magpies could do with a new right-back this summer.
David Moyes needs to bring more quality competition for Ben Johnson to the London Stadium. Meanwhile, right-back is an area at St James’ Park where Steve Bruce will be keen to strengthen.
And the Evening Standard reckons West Ham and Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Bologna right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The 21-year-old joined Bologna from St Truiden in the summer of 2019 for around £5.3 million (Japan Times). And he has been a real hit with the Serie A outfit.
Stats
The 18-capped Japan international played 29 Serie A games for Bologna last season, racking up one goal and three assists in the process (Who Scored).
In those outings, Tomiyasu averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game. He also won an average of two aerial duals per match (Who Scored).
The young Japanese ace is clearly a big talent. He is also very versatile, and can operate at centre-back or even in the deep-lying midfield position.
The 21-year-old would be a very solid addition for either West Ham or Newcastle.
It is not specified how much money the Italian club will demand for Tomiyasu.
And if the Japan international is available, he could end up being a real hit in the Premier League with either the Hammers or the Toon.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
