West Ham have registered their interest in Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, according to reports.

GiveMeSport claim that, while the Hammers have not made a “formal approach” yet, they are keen on recruiting a young right-back and they have sent scouts to watch the player in action over the past few weeks.

Norton-Cuffy has spent the last eighteen months in Italy, having signed for Genoa from Arsenal for an initial £1.7m in August 2024, (his asking price now is said to be €20m/£17.4m).

The fullback did not make his league debut for the Gunners, but he had been sent on four separate loan spells before his transfer to Serie A.

Norton-Cuffy is not against moving to another team in Italy, but his preference is to try his hand in the Premier League.

2 other English teams want Norton-Cuffy

In addition to West Ham, it is believed that both Newcastle and Everton have made enquiries about the 22-year-old.

The Magpies will be without Tino Livramento for at least two months due to a hamstring injury, and manager Eddie Howe is keen to bring in some cover.

Everton, meanwhile, have been using a centre-back, Jake O’Brien, as their main option all season on the right-hand side of defence, and they are looking for a player who is a more natural fit.

Seria A champions Napoli and Juventus are also fans of Norton-Cuffy but it appears that he would favour offers from England.

Do West Ham actually need another right-back?

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is not exactly short of options for that area of the pitch, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker-Peters both available for selection.

You would think that the £17m+ required to sign Norton-Cuffy would be better spent on a centre-half, which is a position they have failed to strengthen so far in January.

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