West Ham United scouts are reportedly ‘impressed’ with 23-year-old SPAL centre-back Francesco Vicari, after watching him in action against AC Milan.
According to calciomercato.com, the Hammers will try to sign the young Italian during the January transfer window.
The Hammers are in need of defensive reinforcements, having conceded 13 goals in six Premier League games, the joint-worst defensive record, alongisde Crystal Palace who are yet to pick up a point this season.
Vicari, who was born in Rome, is currently playing his first season of top-flight football, after winning promotion from Serie B with SPAL at the end of last season.
The 6 foot 3 inch centre-back is a physical player, with great strength and is understandably an aerial threat — all good signs for a Premier League club.
He has helped newly-promoted SPAL to four points in six Serie A games so far this season, including a clean sheet against Lazio and a 3-2 win over Udinese.
They are currently 14th in Serie A, level on points with Sassuolo and only a win behind Fiorentina.
Vicari would have someone to help him settle in in London if he does make the switch to the Olympic Stadium in January, with fellow countryman Angelo Ogbonna a potential central defensive partner for him with the Hammers.
