Report: Serie A big-hitters turn to West Ham international as they ramp-up centre-back chase

By Will Butcher

Roma are desperate to sign a centre-back this summer, and have turned their attention to West Ham defender Angela Ogbonna, according to a report.

Roma Manager Luciano Spalletti is in the market for a defender after allowing Leandro Castan to join Serie A rivals Sampdoria, while Ervin Zukanovic has joined Atalanta on-loan.

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim that former Juventus defender Ogbonna is the newest name to be rumoured with the Giallorossi, as they ponder a bid for the Italian international.

Roma are keen to bring the former Torino man on a loan-deal with a view to a permanent switch, according to the report.

The 28-year-old made 28 Premier League appearances for the Hammers last season, after joining the East London side for around £9.3million last summer.

A Roma move would take some doing though, after The Hammers lost centre-back James Tomkins this summer to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, and are yet to sign a replacement.

According to Italian website ForzaRoma, Tottenham defender Federico Fazio could also move to the Italian capital, as Spalletti looks to reinforce his defence.

Doubts still remain over Greek defender Kostas Manolas, who could be part of a big-money £37million move to Europe’s heavyweights.

However, in an interview with the official Roma website, manager Luciano Spalletti revealed he is desperate to keep Manolas and has delivered a hands-off warning.

In other West Ham transfer news, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is close to ending his striker hunt with this Ghanaian international.