West Ham United have launched an opening proposal to sign out-of-favour Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, according to Calciomercato.
Juventus are keen to offload the Swiss midfielder this summer, and the Hammers are one of several clubs looking to take him off their hands.
Bournemouth, RC Lens and Lille have also been touted as possible destinations for the former Chelsea loanee, but West Ham are considered front-runners for his signature.
Zakaria is reportedly receptive to the idea of joining West Ham, knowing full well that his long-term future lies away from the Allianz Stadium.
Negotiations between West Ham and Juventus are progressing, but both clubs have to reach an agreement on transfer terms that suits all parties.
West Ham have communicated they are willing to take the 26-year-old midfielder on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to make the deal permanent for €18 million.
Juventus value Zakaria a little higher than that, with the Bianconeri hoping to rake in around €25m for his services, but they are open to further talks to try and reach an agreement.
However, the main stumbling block to a potential transfer is the formula involved in the deal.
Juventus want to sell Zakaria outrightly, but they are also open to an obligation clause – although it has to be one that is easily activated.
Zakaria is one of a few players that can remit a significant amount into Juventus’ transfer budget.
His departure, and possibly that of his fellow outcast Weston McKennie, would allow the Bianconeri to start working on a deal for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The wantaway Lazio midfielder has emerged as a primary target for Juventus, and they are itching to begin negotiations to capture his signature.
Rumour has it the Serbian midfielder is also in line for a new contract at Stadio Olimpico. If Juventus fail to sign him, they could switch their attention to Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
