West Ham in pole position to sign Torino's Andrea Belotti
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Torino striker Andrea Belotti, with the forward set to leave the Italian club.
According to a report from Torinogranata, the London-based club are the most likely to sign Belotti this summer, as they continue to search for a new striker.
The Hammers are in need of an experienced forward to lead the line, and Belotti could be the perfect signing for them.
The 27-year-old forward has managed an impressive 12 goals and seven assists this season, despite Torino's struggles this season, where they have constantly battled to avoid the prospect of relegation.
Belotti could be the ideal alternative to Michail Antonio next season, with West Ham relying a great deal on Antonio, Jesse Lingard and Tomas Soucek for goals this season, yet Antonio is not a natural striker and there are doubts over his fitness due to him being relatively injury prone.
Belotti's contract with Torino ends in 2022, and as a result they might be forced to cash in on him this summer in order to avoid the prospect of him going for free next season, but it all depends on whether he signs a contract extension with them or not.
Given his contract situation, West Ham might be able to sign him for a relatively low fee, and he could be enticed by the prospect of playing European football next season, with the Irons having a magnificent season under David Moyes.
Ever since signing for Torino in 2015, Belotti has managed ten goals or more each season in Serie A, with his best season coming in 2016/17, where he scored 26 goals and provided four assists.
West Ham sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January, and they have not managed to replace him yet, and with the funds from the sale still being available, they could sign the likes of Belotti this summer.
However, they are also interested in making Lingard's move from Manchester United permanent, and United are demanding a hefty fee for the English midfielder, and so the Irons will have to assess their priorities ahead of another hectic season.
