West Ham United are leading the race to sign Juventus full-back Luca Pellegrini, according to a report from Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

Formerly a member of AS Roma's youth system, Pellegrini made a £19.8m switch to Juventus in 2019 and has spent time on loan at Cagliari and Genoa in his fledgling career.

The 23-year-old has only made 21 appearances for the Bianconeri's senior team, and as such, a move away could be on the horizon in the not-too-distant future.

Set to return to Juve for pre-season following his most recent spell away from Turin, Pellegrini is already being touted with a Premier League move next...

The latest: West Ham keen on Pellegrini

As per Corriere dello Sport, transcribed by Sport Witness, the one-cap Italy international is being 'followed by West Ham' this summer.

It's claimed that the east Londoners and newly-promoted Fulham have shown an interest in acquiring the left-back's services, but it is the Hammers who are currently 'in pole' for the capture.

Whilst this report makes no mention of a potential transfer fee, it has previously been mooted that the man hailed as a 'really good talent' by journalist Arjun Pradeep could cost in the region of €10m-€12m (£8m-£10m).

The verdict: Shrewd move

At the suggested asking price, signing a player of Pellegrini's calibre as an understudy to Aaron Cresswell initially would be a sensational piece of business from the London Stadium hierarchy.

Capable of playing as a conventional full-back and in more advanced positions, the Italian certainly shares a similar lust for getting forward as the Irons stalwart and would therefore act as a ready-made replacement for the 32-year-old when the time comes for the latter to depart the scene.

Boasting impressive dribbling and passing attributes (WhoScored), Pellegrini would need to hone his defensive skills under the tutelage of the evergreen Hammers left-back prior to becoming a regular in David Moyes' side.

However, at his young age and with Cresswell still an established operator, there is no need for an immediate overhaul at left-back despite West Ham's prolonged pursuit of a fresh face in that position.