West Ham in pole position to sign Noble replacement likened to De Jong; Ruud Gullit loves him

West Ham United are interested in signing Bologna midfielder Jerdy Schouten, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

Having made the grade in Holland, the 25-year-old left his homeland in 2019 to head to Italy, where he has since made 71 outings for Serie A side Bologna.

In that time, Schouten – predominantly a defensive midfielder – has garnered attention from Italian giants AS Roma, AC Milan and Napoli following an impressive rise to prominence.

Now a source closer to home has suggested that the Hammers could be weighing a move for the Dutchman…

As per the Daily Mail, West Ham are ‘keeping close tabs’ on the Bologna ace and have been ‘manoeuvring themselves into a position’ to win the race ahead of the likes of Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

It’s claimed that the Irons are ‘monitoring’ Schouten as Mark Noble edges towards retirement and head of recruitment Rob Newman and boss David Moyes consider replacements.

The report also states that officials from Rush Green have ‘extensively’ watched the uncapped star who was tipped as the ‘ideal player’ for the national side by Dutch legend Ruud Gullit.

Previously available for a reported €15million (£12.7million) amidst interest from Inter Milan, Schouten certainly presents an affordable option to succeed Noble at the London Stadium following the failed loan spell of Alex Kral.

Despite suffering an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, the Dutchman, who has been likened to Barcelona ace and Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong, has still managed to earn a 6.98 Sofascore rating this term and recently returned to top form with a standout display against Venezia, scoring once, making three key passes, completing four interceptions and tackles.

With Noble set to retire and Declan Rice’s long