West Ham United have been tipped to make a move for Atalanta defender Joakim Maehle this summer, as manager David Moyes seeks to bolster his squad.

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Paul Brown has suggested that the Hammers are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old ahead of a potential swoop in the current window, having previously held an interest in the player.

The transfer insider stated: “Maehle, I think, is someone who definitely interests West Ham.

“He’s been someone they looked at before; he’s only gone on to bigger and better things since then. I think he too would be a great signing if they could pull that one off.”

This follows reports that the east Londoners had sent scouts to watch both the 29-cap gem - who is said to cost in the region of €18m (£15m) - and his international colleague Christian Eriksen in action for Denmark in their recent Nations League clash with Austria.

World-class fit

Such a deal would prove a huge coup for the London Stadium outfit were they to reach an agreement this summer, with the versatile "machine" - as he has been dubbed by compatriot Kasper Schmeichel - having particularly caught the eye at last summer's European Championship.

A vital part of a Danish side that reached the semi-final of the tournament - before crashing out at the hands of England at Wembley - Maehle put himself firmly on the map with a string of impressive displays, chipping in with an impressive haul of two goals and one assist from his six outings.

One moment, in particular, caught the eye, with the £22k-per-week star producing a stunning, outside-of-the-boot assist for teammate Kasper Dolberg in the win over Czech Republic, with the delightful cross labelled "world-class" by journalist David Munday.

The hope will be that he can replicate such moments of genius should he be plucked by GSB this summer, with the £12.6m-rated man also boasting an impressive overall international record, with 14 goal contributions in just 29 appearances to date.

He has also recorded ten goals and 30 assists in 217 club career appearances to date, proving himself something of a menace in the final third.

While he has somewhat fallen out of favour for his current side of late - making just 15 Serie A starts last term - the former Genk ace still compares favourably to those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, ranking in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 8% for progressive passes received.

Although that willingness to get forward is aided by his usual wing-back/wide midfield berth for both club and country, the 6 foot 1 monster is also comfortable at full-back on either flank, with such flexibility hugely important for any side.

The "special" talent - as described by one journalist - would be an astute capture for the Hammers and for a relative bargain price, with the player likely to make a huge impact were he to be signed before the start of next term.

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