Juventus and Inter Milan target Graziano Pelle should make a decision on his future this week with West Ham United long-time admirers of the free-agent striker, according to reports.
Five years ago, the 20-time Italy international was one of the hottest forwards in the Premier League.
Brilliant in the air yet deceptively skilful with the ball at his feet, West Ham showed an interest in 2016 when it became clear Pelle’s time at Southampton was coming to an end after two goal-laden years.
It quickly became clear, however, that the Hammers’ efforts would be in vain.
“Obviously I would never have come here if it wasn’t for all that money,” Pelle would later explain after deciding to swap European football for the Far East.
And who can blame him? Shandong Luneng Taishan handed Pelle a deal worth £260,000 a week, making him one of the best-paid footballers on the planet.
Flash forward to the present day and, with that £13.5 million-a-year contract expiring, free-agent Pelle could be handed a chance to rebuild his reputation on familiar soil.
FCInterNews reports West Ham are still keen to sign a player they missed out on in 2016, although the 35-year-old also has offers on the table from Serie A challengers Juventus and Inter.
Football Italia, meanwhile, claims Pelle will make a decision this week.
Given his close relationship with Juve veterans Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus are perhaps his most likely destination with Andrea Pirlo keen to add an experienced forward to his already star-studded front line.
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