West Ham have “made contact” with the agency representing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website claims the Hammers are “ready” to table a bid in the region of €20m (£17m) for the German international.

Thiaw does have other suitors, with Real Madrid having also kept close tabs on the player’s development since his move to Milan last year.

The centre-back has previously been linked with other Premier League sides. Prior to making his switch to Italy, when he was still playing for Schalke, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool were scouting him.

Calciomercato claim that West Ham are the only English team currently keen on securing Thiaw’s signature.

He is likely a target that Steidten has identified

West Ham’s technical director has extensive knowledge of German players, having been a scout and director of football at both Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen.

Steidten would have seen Thiaw coming through the ranks at Schalke and he has likely kept an eye on him ever since. It would, therefore, not be surprising if he has made enquiries about the 22-year-old’s availability.

Thiaw has “no intention” of leaving Milan

After establishing himself as a regular starter in Italy, it doesn’t appear as if the centre-back has any interest in moving clubs at the moment.

Calciomercato goes as far as to say that Thiaw has “no intention” of leaving the Rossoneri, so it looks as if West Ham’s initial advances have been rebuffed.

The German may in fact be set for a pay rise, with Milan keen to reward him for his fine form over the past twelve months. He is currently earning just €800,000 a year on his current contract that expires in the summer of 2027.

Watch a recap of Gameweek 8 in the Premier League on Shots! TV here