Italian newspaper and broadcaster La Gazzetta dello Sport have shared a big money West Ham United transfer update involving free agent defender Dan-Axel Zagadou.

The Lowdown: Hammers in defender hunt...

As reliably reported, the Irons and manager David Moyes are determined to sign a new central defender amid their worrying shortage in that department.

Summer signing Nayef Aguerd is currently on the treatment table with Angelo Ogbonna also fighting his way back to full fitness at the London Stadium.

Craig Dawson, meanwhile, has just one year remaining on his current deal and concerns surround the fitness history of fellow centre-back Kurt Zouma.

Ben Johnson, a natural full-back, was tasked with partnering Zouma against Premier League champions Man City last weekend - prompting West Ham to scour the market in search of more options.

The Latest: West Ham 'ready' to offer big money for Zagadou...

After earlier reports claimed talks had taken place over a move for Zagadou, the Italian press have in the last 48 hours shared a major update on West Ham's determination to strike a deal.

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La Gazzetta claim the east Londoners are now 'ready to put many pounds on the table' in a bid to convince the free agent to join West Ham following his release from Borussia Dortmund.

The Verdict: Right move?

Dependent on the offer they send his way, if Zagadou can put his past injury history to bed, he could end up being a shrewd capture.

A physical specimen, standing at 6 foot 5, the 23-year-old has been praised for his pace as well with ex-Dortmund boss Marco Rose calling him 'excellent' earlier last season whilst hoping he'd pen a new deal (via Fansided).

Moyes will be weighing this move carefully but La Gazzetta at least make it clear that West Ham are willing to back him with a big offer.