West Ham and Aston Villa have both made enquiries for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to the Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The Serbian international has been put on the market by the Bianconeri but they have placed an €80m (£69m) asking price on the player that has scared off plenty of suitors.

However, Gazzetta claims that West Ham and Villa have registered their interest in Vlahovic, although they don’t say whether either team has tabled a formal bid.

The main issue would be convincing the 23-year-old to make the switch to England. He turned down Arsenal in January last year in order to join Juventus, and there is a feeling that he may only consider a transfer to a Premier League club now if they are competing for trophies.

West Ham do have the money to buy Vlahovic

If this link came out even a few weeks ago, Hammers fans would have laughed off the rumour due to the cost of the player.

However, with £100m now burning in their pockets following the sale of club captain Declan Rice, a bid for Vlahovic can now be classed as realistic for West Ham. Whether it is likely, though, is another matter entirely.

Micah Richards is a big fan of the player

Speaking back in 2021 when Vlahovic burst on the scene at Fiorentina, BBC and Sky pundit Michah Richards raved about the Serbian’s abilities:

“I have watched him a couple of times now. He is lightning. It’s ridiculous. He has got 16 in 18 this season. His left foot is like a wand. I am telling you now, he is everything, he is everything you need.”

Signing a striker could be considered if Scamacca leaves

Roma have been pushing to sign the Italian, and the player has given them some encouragement with his remarks about the Giallorossi and Jose Mourinho over the past week.

If Scamacca were to return to Italy then a new forward would have to be considered. In that context, it is understandable why the Irons would have tested the waters regarding Vlahovic.

The main focus for the London club at the moment, though, is finding a replacement for Rice. A bid has been lodged for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, which was rejected, while a move for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse is also being considered.