West Ham are poised to hijack Inter Milan’s summer transfer for Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic.

According to reports, the David Moyes team is interested in bringing in the 21-year-old, who has been called one of Europe’s hottest talents.

Samardzic’s father informed Inter Milan that since West Ham was also interested in signing him, they must now offer better conditions. However, his proposal has had the opposite effect, with San Siro chiefs abruptly halting their pursuit.

Read: West Ham interested in young striker from Montpellier

The Serbian international, born in Berlin, was already at Inter Milan for his Medical after the two clubs signed an agreement. But after West Ham’s approach, the deal is in limbo.

For the time being, West Ham will continue to pursue Samardzic’s transfer from Udinese. According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers see the Serbian as a replacement for Lucas Paqueta, who Manchester City is following.

Samardzic left RB Leipzig in August 2021 for €3 million (£2.5 million) and has spent the previous two years with Udinese. They had signed Samardzic from his academy club, Hertha Berlin.

During their time together in Berlin, former Hertha interim coach Alexander Nouri thought Samardzic was a dynamic player. However, the 6’0″ center midfielder for Die Alte Dame only made three starts. In the following season at RB Leipzig, he only appeared in nine games.

Samardzic’s promise was realized at Udinese, where he attracted interest from West Ham and Inter Milan. He has seven goals and seven assists over 63 games in all competitions. The 2022–2023 season saw him score five goals and provide four assists in 37 Serie A games.

Is Lazar Samardzic a suitable replacement for Lucas Paqueta?