West Ham retain an interest in Cagliari defensive midfielder Nahitan Nandez, according to reports in the Italian media.

We reported in January that the Hammers had tried to sign the Uruguayan international on loan, with an option to buy for £40m, but the offer was rejected by his club.

However, despite Nandez closing in on a contract extension, his new deal is expected to include a release clause of €38m (£34m).

Even that reduced figure would likely be too expensive for the Hammers, following the financial impact of the global health crisis, but Cagliari are said to be open to selling up for below that amount.

Nandez does have other potential suitors, though, with Napoli and Inter Milan believed to be especially keen on the 24-year-old.

The departure of Carlos Sanchez this summer means West Ham boss David Moyes may well need another holding midfield player, but it remains to be seen whether they will go back in for Nandez.