West Ham are keen on signing Alaves centre-back Guillermo Maripan, according to reports in the English media.

The Hammers were looking to buy the Chilean international in the January transfer window but they will reignite their interest this summer.

Maripan is capable on the ball, with his style aping that of Barcelona’s Gerard Pique, but at 6ft 4, he also possesses good aerial ability.

West Ham will have a fight on their hands to land the 24-year-old, though, with Serie A side Roma said to be looking to clinch a deal for the defender.

Since moving to Alaves two seasons ago, Maripan has gradually established himself as an important first team player.

In the 2017/18 season, he was in and out of the starting eleven, but manager Abelardo Fernandez has used him on a regular basis this campaign.

Alaves’s rise to fifth in the table has been based on a solid defensive record, having conceded just 31 times in 28 games, with Maripan playing a crucial role.