Various Italian media outlets have recently reported that West Ham have joined the race to sign Parma midfielder Marco Parolo. The 29-year-old Italian is presently with the national team at the World Cup Finals and that inevitably means any transfer move cannot be progressed until his return from Brazil. Parma initially set an asking price of c.£7m, but may attempt to generate an auction if interest increases as a result of his World Cup performances. The Hammers are looking to steal a march on Lazio, who are reportedly unwilling to meet Parma’s likely current transfer valuation. Parolo made 36 appearances in Serie A last season and WHTID readers may have noticed that he made a second half substitutes appearance in the England Vs Italy match last Saturday.

It is hardly a surprise that West Ham are seeking to strengthen central midfield with the recent exit of Jole Cole, Jack Collison and Matt Taylor; plus the continuing uncertainty over the futures of Ravel Morrison and Mo Diame. Will this be a good potential signing? Well, he has a pedigree, but as we saw last season, with Antonio Nocerino, not all players easily make the transition from Serie A to Premier League. If there is serious West Ham interest then we need to hope that he does not perform too well for Italy at the World Cup or the asking price could rise steeply.

Elsewhere, there have been one or two recent reports that German club, Schalke, may be lining up a bid for Winston Reid. Apparently, they are looking to strengthen their central defence and have drawn up a list of possible PL based signings. And they will be acutely aware that Reid is entering the final year of his current contract and this could very well be reflected in the asking price for his services. Whether they will meet Reid’s reported wage demands of c.£75,000 a week is another matter.

It would be good to see the club move swiftly to seal new deals for Winston Reid and Ravel Morrison. Both players can play key roles in moving West Ham forward over the next few seasons. Reid is a bulwark in central defence and Morrison has all the skills/technique necessary to develop in to a top quality attacking midfielder. I would also welcome a new deal for Mo Diame, if he buckles down and commits to the project at West Ham. Unfortunately, Diame is also entering the final year of his current deal and, in those specific circumstances, it is virtually guaranteed that no one will invoke the £3.5m release clause. Far more likely, the player will run down his contract and this will result in a Bosman move next summer. If Diame does not agree a new contract this pre-season, then that is arguably the most likely scenerio.

SJ. Chandos.