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West Ham United are desperate for reinforcements this month but Newcastle look like beating them to a reported target.

According to a recent report from FC Inter News, West Ham enquired about Inter Milan right-back Valentino Lazaro.

David Moyes wants to bring in a new right-back, at least one midfielder and a forward in the January window.

But reports suggest the Scot will have little or no money to spend with loans likely to be his only option.

West Ham to miss out on another target?

West Ham have already missed out on Inter striker Gabriel Barbosa after trying for a loan rather than a permanent transfer.

Read: Owners look to have cost West Ham the chance to sign Gabriel Barbosa after insisting on another loan deal

And now they could miss out on versatile 23-year-old star Lazaro, who can also play as a winger or wing-back.

According to Tuttomercato and Football Italia, Inter and Newcastle are ‘close to finalising a deal’.

The Austria international has hardly played for Inter this season, making just six Serie A appearances for Antonio Conte’s side.

He joined Inter for £20million from Hertha Berlin in the summer (Goal).

Coup Lazaro just what Hammers need

His capture would be quite a coup for a club like West Ham or Newcastle.

West Ham fans will undoubtedly be hugely disappointed if the reports are true.

It comes after the Hammers missed out on midfield ace Gedson Fernandes to bitter rivals Tottenham.

But there may be a glimmer of hope that West Ham remain in the race for Lazaro.

West Ham ‘dragged back into’ race for right-back

Sport Witness has suggested the move is not cut and dried just yet. The report claims Newcastle have put down an offer with big wages.

But Sport Witness says word from Italy claims West Ham have been ‘dragged back into the picture’.

It will be interesting to see how this one pans out. With Ryan Fredericks’s injury not as bad as first feared, Moyes may feel any budget is better spent elsewhere.

The harsh truth, though, is that with the exception of three of four games, Fredericks has failed to establish himself as a Premier League player at West Ham.

So if the Hammers do have a genuine chance to sign Lazaro, they cannot afford to pass it up.