Fiorentina have held talks with West Ham over signing midfielder Pedro Obiang, according to reports in Italy.

The 26-year-old has been constantly linked with a return to Italy since arriving from Sampdoria three and a half years ago. In fact, the Viola tried to sign the Equatorial Guinea international in the summer, but they couldn’t agree a transfer fee with the Hammers.

The Serie A side have reportedly now decided to make a second attempt for Obiang. The midfielder remains a first-team player at the London Stadium although the emergence of Declan Rice has reduced his game time somewhat.

The Guinean has made 17 appearances in all competitions this campaign with manager Manuel Pellegrini having picked him in the starting line up in recent games.

Obiang played the full 90 minutes against Birmingham in the FA Cup last weekend and was also selected to start in the 2-2 draw against Brighton, with Pellegrini having decided to rest captain Mark Noble in both matches.