Hammers close on Juve starlet

Lanzafame set for Upton Park loan

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 13th May 2008

West Ham Upton Park

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West Ham United are set to clinch a loan deal for Italian starlet Davide Lanzafame.

The 21-year-old striker is a product of Juventus' youth system and made his first-team debut for them last season.

But this term he was loaned out to Bari in Serie B where Juve legend Anontio Conte is coach.

And Lanzafame did not disappoint with ten goals which earned him a call-up to the Italian Under 21 squad.

Ronaldo comparison

Indeed Conte feels the player has all the ability in the world - even likening him to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Lanzafame has improved tactically," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is explosive, he sniffs the goal, and imposes his speed outside the area. If he improves and learns he can become like Cristiano Ronaldo."

West Ham are now set to agree terms with Juve for a season-long loan.

The deal is a clear indication of the influence of The Hammers' new sporting director Gianluca Nani.

The Italian was brought in to oversee transfer policy and he has wasted little time in sealing a deal for one of his country's brightest young prospects.