West Ham United have opened talks with Palermo over the signing of defender Achraf Lazaar, according to reports from talkSPORT.

Lazaar has entered the final year of his contract at Palermo and it is widely expected that the Moroccan defender will be leaving the Italian side this summer.

A number of clubs across Europe have expressed their interest in signing Lazaar and now according to reports, the Hammers have commenced discussions with the 24-year-old regarding a prospective transfer this summer.

West Ham see left-back Lazaar as an apt replacement for the injured Aaron Cresswell and are hoping they can seal a deal before the new Premier League season kicks off.