It has just emerged, that West Ham United have entered the race to sign one of Europe’s fastest players, according to a recent report.
The Hammers ended the Premier League campaign in ninth in what was David Moyes’ final season in charge.
Julen Lopetegui is the man rumoured to take the reigns at the London Stadium and he’ll be keen to make his own imprint on the squad in the fast-approaching summer transfer window.
That said, one player is already being linked with a move to West Ham.
West Ham United eye Raoul Bellanova
According to Tuttosport, West Ham United are interested in Torino’s right-winger Raoul Bellanove, who is valued at £21.3m.
Bellanova has enjoyed a terrific season for the Serie A side, laying on seven assists to help them achieve a ninth-placed finish.
The Hammers are facing stiff competition for his signature, though, as Manchester United and Aston Villa are both keeping tabs.
The 24-year-old made his senior debut for the Italian national team in March and could be jetting off to Germany for the European Championships this summer.
Raoul Bellanova statistics
Bellanova is widely considered one of the fastest players in Europe and would provide West Ham with a totally different outlet down the right.
The jet-heeled wide player, who can operate as a right-back, ranks in the top four per cent for progressive carries per 90 compared to his positional peers across the big five leagues, as per FBref.
That evinces his terrific dribbling ability and his movement is also excellent, as he sits in the top 18 per cent for progressive passes received.
If West Ham land his signature, they’ll be adding a real threat to their forward line.