The Hammers have laid eyes on Juve’s bright spark. Upton Park boss Gianfranco Zola has previously worked with ‘the Atomic Ant’ in the Italian Under-21 side and is keen on a reunion…

Juventus are bracing themselves for West Ham United to make a January move for starlet Sebastian Giovinco.

Friday’s edition of Tuttosport reports the Premier League side are keen to lure the Italian to Upton Park by offering a swap deal with Valon Behrami. The Swiss midfielder can also play as a full-back, and it’s no secret that Ciro Ferrara has been looking for a player to cover the right side.

Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola is a keen admirer of Giovinco, having coached him for the Italy Under-21 side. ‘La Formica Atomica’ has not been getting regular football this term, but he did show sparkling form when playing against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League, suggesting he wants to fight for his place in the team.

Despite the reports, neither Juventus nor West Ham have confirmed any swap deal as being in the pipeline.

Giovinco signed a contract extension with Juve last year when reports linked him with a move to England.