The Lazio star has been hotly tipped for a move to Chelsea, but West Ham are an outside bet in the race to sign him.
Popular bookmakers SkyBET have installed the Hammers as shock outsiders in the race to sign Lazio forward Keita Balde.
The 22-year-old was in sensational form in Serie A last term, scoring 16 goals and chipping in with three assists in 31 league outings for his club.
His performances caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, who are lining up a £17 million bid for the Senegal international, according to Italian media outlet La Repubblica.
Keita Balde in action for Lazio
And it is the Blues who lead the race to sign Balde, according to SkyBET, with Antonio Conte’s men listed as 3/1 favourites, ahead of Juventus at 4/1.
Somewhat surprisingly though, SkyBET have installed West Ham as shock 8/1 outsiders in the race to obtain the Lazio man’s signature.
The 22-year-old has great versatility, and can play anywhere along the front-line. He also possesses the added bonus of being equally as proficient with both feet – something that makes him incredibly hard to defend against.
Balde has just one year remaining on his current deal with Lazio, so the Italians will surely not put up much resistance, should any club come in with a concrete offer for his services this summer.
And if Slaven Bilic could somehow manage to tempt the Senegal international into moving to the London Stadium, it would be a signing of real intent for the Hammers.
Keita Balde celebrates with teammates
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