West Ham United hold interest in SPAL defender Francesco Vicari?

SPAL defender Francesco Vicari has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for West Ham United.

Vicari has spent his career outside of Italy's top flight but the 23-year-old is regarded as a key component at the back after SPAL's promotion to Serie A last season.

The newcomers have conceded 11 goals in their opening half-a-dozen fixtures but according to Calciomercato, the performances of Vicari have caught the eye of the Hammers.

Despite keeping clean sheets against Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion, West Ham have problems at the back with 13 goals being shipped in their other four games in the Premier League.

It has been claimed that the East Londoners are already considering potential signings for the January window, and Vicari is said to feature on the club's shortlist.

Vicari has represented Italy Under-21s on one occasion.