West Ham United have made Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic their priority to replace Declan Rice.

The Serbian midfield strongman has been priced out of moves to the Premier League in the past but is about to enter the last season of his contract in the summer.

And Hammers are hot on his trail, with boss David Moyes sending trusted spy Alan Irvine to watch him in action last week, says The Sun.

Milinkovic-Savic, 27, will have plenty of interest in the next window but he may now be in West Ham's range as the bigger clubs seem to have overlooked him.

The powerful and skilful operator is a Moyes type and has similarities to Rice, who is likely to be sold at the end of the season.

Hammers expect a massive offer for Rice, who will be tempted by a super salary as one of the biggest captures around.