Everton and West Ham Battle For Italian Defender

Juventus and Italy defender, Angelo Ogbonna, is currently in talks with both Everton and West Ham United. As recently as last week Southampton were also considered to be in the race for the centerback, but that talk has since petered out.

While Everton have already spoken with the player, Ogbonna's agent was in London on Monday to discuss terms with the Hammers. Playing time will be a big draw for Ogbonna. He has been mostly on the bench for the four-time Serie A champions, with Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli all ahead of him in the pecking order. At Everton, with no European football beckoning this season, the only way he is on the field regularly will be if Roberto Martinez decides to field a three-man backline.

At West Ham, who are featuring in the Europa League thanks to the Fair Play shortcut, Ogbonna will be assured of a starting spot when compared to the incumbent centerhalves Winston Reid, James Tompkins and James Collins.

The defender has ten caps each for both the Italian Under-21 and senior national sides.