According to journalist Armando Napoletano, speaking to Calcio Napoli 24 Live via Napoli Magazine, West Ham United are eyeing Spezia Calcio striker M'Bala Nzola along with Newcastle United and Fulham - with the reporter then claiming he is 'destined to leave' Liguria. 

Nzola, who has impressed for the Serie A relegation battlers since their Italian play-off promotion win, scoring nine goals in 13 top flight appearances (Transfermarkt), is now apparently back on the Hammers' radar after reports claimed GSB made contact at the end of December (Corriere dello Sport).

West Ham eyeing Nzola

Indeed, reporter Napoletano has shared an update on West Ham's interest in the 24-year-old - claiming they are still very much keeping tabs alongside fellow Premier League clubs.

Nzola has been one of the shining lights for Spezia since their promotion, but Napoletano has shared a grim outlook for the club as he says that the forward is 'destined to leave'.

He also states, depending on the 'technical result', the Italian side will change a lot in the summer - with Nzola touted as one their main assets to inevitably depart, especially if they get relegated.

Even though he doesn't make it clear whether or not an exit could happen in January, Napoletano does explain that West Ham and GSB are eyeing Nzola.

Transfer Tavern take

Spezia coach Vincenzo Italiano, via TUTTOCALCIOnews, likened him to a Didier Drogba recently - potentially evidence as to why the Hammers and David Moyes are reportedly keen.

Metropolitan Magazine also lavished the forward with praise, drawing particular attention to his 'enviable' physical strength and speed.

Time will tell whether West Ham do swoop for Nzola, but their interest appears to be have remained since December.

In other news: West Ham fans buzzed over this 'huge news', find out more here.