West Ham United are reportedly in the race to sign Alaves defender Guillermo Maripan.
According to the Daily Mail, Roma are ahead of West Ham United in the race for Alaves defender Guillermo Maripan having even held talks.
Maripan, 24, came up through the ranks with Universidad Catolica in his native Chile, before his impressive displays earned him a move to Alaves in 2017.
The 6ft 4in centre back – compared to Gerard Pique – has starred in Spain, becoming one of La Liga’s top defenders during his time with Alaves.
Maripan appears to have impressed so much that compatriot Manuel Pellegrini wants him at West Ham, with La Segunda claiming a €10million (£8.5million) January bid was rejected.
West Ham are expected to return with a new move this summer, but they could miss out as Roma look to swoop in and sign him.
The Daily Mail claim Roma have already held talks with Alaves recently in a bid to get Maripan’s signature tied up ahead of the summer transfer window.
A move to the Italian capital may be appealing, so West Ham need to move quickly if they are to beat the Serie A side to one of Pellegrini’s top summer targets.
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