West Ham have reportedly lined up Nikola Milenkovic as a possible alternative to Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.
The Hammers want Zouma but a deal looks difficult, with the two clubs seemingly very far away in their valuations of the Frenchman.
And Sky Sports suggest Fiorentina’s Milenkovic has emerged as a possible signing for West Ham as boss David Moyes looks to bring in a centre-back.
Zouma would reportedly favour a move to east London if he leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Hammers are said to be ready to pay in the region of £20 million – which is believed to be considerably less than the asking price.
Zouma faces the prospect of falling further down the pecking order if the Blues sign his fellow Frenchman Jules Kounde.
Chelsea are keen on Kounde and there has been speculation that Zouma could join Sevilla in a part-exchange deal.
However, according to Sky’s Dharmesh Sheth, Zouma would rather stay in London.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sheth said: “West Ham are prepared to pay around £20m for Kurt Zouma, which falls below Chelsea’s valuation of the player.
“As far as Zouma himself is concerned, he is settled in London and, as it stands, it is thought he would welcome the move to West Ham ahead of being part of that potential swap.”
Zouma has made 99 league appearances for Chelsea since being signed from St Etienne in 2014.
He has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at the club and now looks set to move on.
Speaking about Zouma at his press conference after Sunday’s friendly at Arsenal, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said: “Kurt was part of the team for half a year and I know him exactly – what I can demand from him and what he can give to the team. He was part of a very successful half a season.
‘He was a very lively part of it, maybe not in minutes but I want to remember he was a crucial member of the team that won 2-0 against Atletico, for example. So, when he was needed.”
