West Ham United have been encouraged to bid for Fiorentina striker Daniel Pablo Osvaldo.

The Times says Fiorentina want to offload the 23-year-old forward for about £7 million. He has played for the Italy Under-21 team, for whom Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, was a coach.

Osvaldo's representatives have confirmed West Ham's interest, though Bologna are also keen.