Ambitious West Ham Set Sights On Inter Milan Midfielder

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has revealed his admiration for Inter Milan's Zdravko Kuzmanovic, prompting speculation the club are lining up a bid for the midfielder.

The Hammers have shown impressive ambition in the transfer market after their comfortable mid table finish last season, recruiting Romania captain Razvan Rat and securing a permanent deal for Andy Carroll, in addition to signing Danny Whitehead and goalkeeper Adrian.

The club have shown no signs of slowing down on their recruitment drive having been given full backing of owners David Sullivan and David Gold, with Serbia international Kuzmanovic the latest to be linked with a move to Upton Park.

Allardyce himself has admitted the midfielder is someone who impresses him, but refused to comment on whether a bid has been made or not.

When quizzed on the 25-year-old, the former Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers boss said: "He is a player I like, but I know nothing about it so cannot comment," Sky Sports report.

Former Fiorentina midfielder Kuzmanovic returned to Italy after a four year stint with Stuttgart in the January transfer window, but has failed to settle at the San Siro. The talented attacking midfielder could be available at a cut price fee of just £5m this summer, reports suggest.

Having paid £16m to make Carroll's loan stay in East London a permanent one, West Ham have shown no signs of relenting in the transfer market. The club saw a bid of £14.5m for Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo rejected in early June as they seek to find a partner for their record signing.

Although he is satisfied with the progress the club have made in the summer months, Allarydce is still determined to add to his attacking options and ensure the club continue their climb up the league table next season.

"For the first time in eight years I have got a good squad together right at the start of the pre-season," the Hammers manager continued.

"Normally I am six or seven short and I have to skimp around to get them in, but not this year. We would like to add to that of course, although it will be one or two max. Position wise, we need an attacking player first and then we will see where we go."

"At the moment, it depends on the player who is available. It needs to be a quality player who brings a lot to the team for us to go after him."