West Ham United are showing interest in signing Boca Juniors holding midfielder Agustin Almendra, as reported by Tutto Mercato Web.

What's the story?

It is suggested that the 20-year-old is somebody the Hammers are "looking" at, while it also seems as though Almenda is keen to leave Boca.

This comes due to the fact that he is unhappy with the amount of game time he has had so far this season, having made six starts in the Argentinian Superliga, while he has been afforded a further two in the Copa de la Superliga.

Although it will be seen as a bonus that Boca's asking price has dropped in recent months due to that  lack of action, West Ham will face competition from AS Roma in their quest to secure his signature.

Brilliant endorsements

He may have not had much time to show what he can do, but there are still positive signs from what Almendra, who until recently was teammates with the now-retired Daniele De Rossi (they made one Boca appearance together), has done on the pitch this campaign.

In the league, he has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game, while he has got one goal and makes 0.5 key passes and 0.5 dribbles, being fouled 1.5 times.

The Hammers could potentially be looking for any endorsements when making their decision, and there is one on hand from their very own academy graduate Rio Ferdinand.

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When the retired defender was asked on Twitter who he would like to see Manchester United sign, he opted for Almendra as his wildcard choice.

So while the Argentinian has been starved of the game time he desires recently, he's shown enough potential to catch the attention of a Premier League legend who certainly knows a thing or two about emerging talents, having been part of the Irons' famous crop of youngsters who went on to become England regulars.

No doubt, Almendra is a bit of a punt for the Hammers, but it may be one worth taking.

Meanwhile, one transfer report highlights West Ham's flawed transfer strategy.