West Ham transfer target Niclas Fullkrug “secretly hoped” that AC Milan would make a bid for him this summer, according to Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger.

The Hammers are trying to secure the German international’s services but he was leaning towards a move to Italy before they withdrew their interest. Now, Berger says the player is “open” to a transfer to the London Stadium as it will help his international prospects:

“The DFB star was initially sceptical [about West Ham], but now he is open. Fullkrug had secretly hoped for a long time that AC Milan would make an advance, but the Rossoneri are currently unable to raise the necessary money for a permanent transfer and have now withdrawn from the poker game.”

Another factor tempting Fullkrug is that Julen Lopetegui’s side are offering him a three-year contract, with an option for another twelve months. It would give him greater security than the deal he is currently on at Dortmund.

Milan are focused on recruiting another West Ham target

Somewhat ironically, the Rossoneri are believed to have dropped their pursuit of Fullkrug in favour of a move for former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.

It was reported earlier this week that the Roma player had turned down approaches from the Irons and Everton as he is keen on joining Milan.

What is the current state of play with Fullkrug?

It is believed that West Ham have offered €25m (£21m) for the 31-year-old but Dortmund want a fee closer to €30m (£25m). That may seem a small gap between the two sides but it appears that Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is playing hardball.

There is still a chance that the London club will end their interest in Fullkrug and go back in for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran instead.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here