Manchester clubs eye Hammers defender – report

Both Manchester clubs are keen on West Ham centre-back Angelo Ogbonna this summer, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Italy international only signed for the Hammers last summer after arriving from Serie A champions Juventus in a £10million deal.

The defender arrived at Upton Park in high spirits after winning a second consecutive league title with the Italian giants and now in his short time in east London, Ogbonna has solidified himself in Slavan Bilic’s backline and formed a key partnership with Winston Reid. The 28-year old made 33 appearances for West Ham last season as they battled for a Champions League football but in the end could only manage a seventh-placed finish.

However, according to reports made by Tuttosport, Ogbonna could be set for a move after only just one-year at the club. The Italian newspaper outlet also report that both Manchester City and Manchester United are scouting the player with a potential bid from one of the clubs in the offing.

Defence seems to be the top priority as both clubs certainly look to be in the market for a quality defender after they were both recently linked to Ogbonna’s Italian compatriot Leonardo Bonucci and United themselves were linked to Villarreal’s Eric Bailley.

Manchester City certainly will also be looking in the defensive category as Vincent Kompany’s injury issues meant he could only make 13 appearances for City all last season.