Ajax have tabled a €23m (£20m) offer for West Ham transfer target Josip Sutalo, according to TMW.

The same Italian website reported earlier this week that the Hammers and Arsenal had joined the likes of RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Fiorentina in pursuing the Dinamo Zagreb defender. However, it now seems as if Ajax are favourites for the Croatian’s signature after making the highest bid.

It is believed that the Eredivisie club have offered around €19m (£16.4m) upfront with an additional €4m (£3.5m) in add-ons for Sutalo, who has become a regular starter for his country since the World Cup.

TMW claim that Dinamo Zagreb want around €25m (£21.5m) for the centre-back so it remains to be seen whether Ajax’s proposal will be accepted.

West Ham have already lost out to Ajax for one player this summer

David Moyes’s side were very close to securing the services of Carlos Borges from Manchester City, with a £14m fee having been agreed for the Portuguese youth international.

However, after a delay in getting the deal finalised, Ajax made a late move for the teenager and managed to sign him instead.

The club are in the market for a centre-half

West Ham’s pursuit of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire does demonstrate that the Irons are looking to strengthen their options in the centre of defence before the transfer window closes.

However, they have had no luck with their attempts to buy the England international so far, with a loan offer and a £20m bid having been knocked back.

If Maguire does end up costing too much, it could well be the case that the Hammers turn to Sutalo as a backup option. Considering the interest he is receiving from Ajax and other clubs, though, the Croatian international may not be available for much longer.