Hammers on trail of Lanzafame?

11:53am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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WEST Ham are reportedly closing on a season-long loan deal for Juventus youngster Davide Lanzafame.

The 21-year-old forward is a product of the Old Lady's youth system and made his Serie A debut last season.

Lanzafame spent part of last season on loan to Serie B promotion-chasers Bari, where former Juve and Italy midfielder Antonio Conte is coach, scoring 10 goals in 33 appearances and earning a call-up to the Italy Under-21 squad.

The Turin-born player is also expected to be named in Italy's squad for the Beijing Olympics.

"Lanzafame has improved tactically," Conte told the Gazzetta dello Sport last month.

"He is explosive, he sniffs the goal, and imposes his speed outside the area. If he improves and learns he can become like Cristiano Ronaldo."

Juve used Lanzafame as bait in a bid for Palermo's Brazilian striker Amauri earlier this month.

In April, the striker told how he would be discussing his future with his girlfriend and agent before taking any decision to leave the club.

"The aim is to put on a display next season, when at the age of 22 it will be important to acquire the right continuity," he said.

West Ham have appointed Italian Gianluca Nani as the club's new technical director, with the Brescia man taking over next month.

When he was unveiled in March, Nani told how he would overhaul the club's overseas scouting network.