West Ham are interested in signing Stuttgart midfielder Santiago Ascacibar, according to reports in Germany. The 22-year-old generally plays as a holding midfield player and could be the club’s replacement for Pedro Obiang.

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini has publicly spoken of the need to replace the midfielder following his departure to Sassuolo. Ascacibar would certainly be an interesting addition to the squad.

The Argentine has four senior caps for his country but he was relegated with Stuttgart last season and is currently plying his trade in the German second division.

Stuttgart are, however, in no need to sell. They have already made a massive profit on the sales of Benjamin Pavard, Ozan Kabak and Timo Baumgartl this summer and they see Ascacibar as a key first-team player.

Considering the limited time that West Ham have to complete a deal as well, with the Thursday transfer deadline looming, it doesn’t appear likely that they’ll get this over the line.