WEST HAM manager Gianfranco Zola is reportedly keeping tabs on Livorno midfielder Antonio Candreva.

The 22-year-old has set the Stadio Armando Picchi alight since his arrival in the summer as a replacement for Alessandro Diamanti, who the Hammers snapped up for an estimated £6million towards the end of the last transfer window.

And Candreva is thought to have caught Zola's eye, according to the Telegraph, with an approach for the player thought to be on the cards in January.

However, any prospective deal is complicated by the fact that Candreva is co-owned by Udinese.

Diamanti, 32, has admitted he would relish the chance to work alongside the young Italian. “Candreva is not a surprise, he has everything he needs to become a champion.”