West Ham and Nottingham Forest have already signed new centre-backs this summer but the Premier League duo now have their eyes on another.
The Hammers kickstarted their summer window with the £40million signing of Max Kilman from Wolves.
However, Kurt Zouma is on his way to Dubai to complete a medical after he was told he was not part of Julen Lopetegui’s plans.
The Frenchman’s departure from the London Stadium has freed up space for West Ham to pursue another centre-back target.
As for Nottingham Forest, they have added Nikola Milenkovic to their squad for a £12million fee.
The Serbian defender was brought in to replace the outgoing Moussa Niakhate, but they too need additional defensive reinforcements with Scott McKenna leaving as a free agent.
West Ham and Nottingham Forest target £20m defender
According to Italian newspaper Messaggero Veneto, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have asked for information on Jaka Bijol.
The 25-year-old Slovenian has starred in Serie A with Udinese and attracted interest from the Premier League.
The report adds that Udinese will start bidding at 23million Euros (£20million) if clubs act on their interest.
Bundesliga duo Stuttgart and Wolfsburg are also said to be interested in his signature.
Club director confirms interest
Udinese chief Gianluca Nani has already confirmed that there is Premier League interest in Bijol this summer.
READ MORE: £15m ace reveals why he rejected West Ham after multiple calls with Julen Lopetegui
As quoted by Tutto Udinese, Nani said “”He is complete, a defensive leader, I don’t see any serious lapses, mistakes happen to everyone. He has attracted the attention of many clubs, especially in the Premier League.”
“He is important to us and we would like to keep him but we have to be ready. If an offer were to arrive we will discuss it.”
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