West Ham want Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if Declan Rice leaves

West Ham United are keeping tabs on Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ahead of the summer, according to the Sun.

The Hammers are likely to lose Declan Rice during the next transfer window. The England international has regularly talked about wanting to play for a Champions League club.

West Ham are preparing for potential life without Rice and have started watching replacements.

Manager David Moyes sent one of his trusted allies Alan Irvine to run the rule over Milinkovic-Savic last week.

The Serbian international has been on the radar of Premier League clubs for some time. However, Lazio have held on to him, pricing the 27-year-old out of moves.

Milinkovic-Savic is in the final 17 months of his deal, and the summer represents the best time to sell him.

He has scored six goals and claimed eight assists in 30 games across all competitions this term.

The former Genk star has no significant weaknesses, as highlighted by the popular data website, whoscored.

Milinkovic-Savic is a solid central midfielder who also plays further up the pitch in an attacking role, due to his keen eye for goals. He is an excellent passer and an aerial threat in both boxes.

West Ham could do with such a quality player and he has what it takes to replace Rice.

However, the Irons will not be the only club monitoring the Lazio star. They will face stiff competition for Milinkovic-Savic’s signature, and whether they can convince him remains to be seen.

Moyes’ side are currently 18th in the Premier League after 22 games. They will fancy their survival chances but could struggle to attract the calibre of players they desire.