According to an update by Nicolo Schira, West Ham United have made an enquiry for Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina, with the journalist saying on Twitter that the Fulham loanee 'could leave' St Mary's this summer. 

Schira drops West Ham claim involving Lemina

Lemina has impressed in flashes at Craven Cottage this season and has attracted attention from the likes of Genoa and the Irons as both clubs make contact and ask for information.

The 27-year-old has started 17 Premier League games over the 2020/21 campaign and has averaged the same amount of tackles in midfield as West Ham star Declan Rice (1.9).

Schira has now lifted the lid on the Hammers' interest in Lemina, while signs also point to his potential exit from Southampton amid this growing interest.

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Transfer Tavern take

Amassing 19 international caps for his native Gabon, the midfielder also managed an impressive 2.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game during his time on loan at Galatasaray last season (WhoScored).

These numbers could point to him being a sturdy backup option for West Ham as David Moyes seeks strength in depth for next term, especially if they qualify for the Champions League ahead of Chelsea.

BBC pundit Garth Crooks is certainly a fan, having called Lemina a 'powerhouse' back in 2018 whilst also claiming that he should be in a Liverpool or Arsenal shirt (Daily Express).

Depending on the price tag, the Gabon international could be a shrewd buy to bolster West Ham's midfield and provide support to both Rice and Tomas Soucek.

In other news: Many West Ham fans flocked to this big transfer claim, find out more here.