West Ham United enter race to sign Chelsea defender

West Ham United are prepared to compete with Inter Milan in the race to sign Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea this summer.

The left-back has been linked with a potential move away from the Blues after the arrival of Ben Chilwell from Leicester City.

A return to the Serie A has been touted for the 26-year-old, but according to The Independent, the Hammers could also propose to sign him.

The east London outfit are likely to make a loan offer for the Italy international with the option to buy at the end of the campaign.

There has been speculation that Emerson could be offered as a makeweight in the Blues' attempt to sign Declan Rice from the Hammers.

However, David Moyes' side are adamant that Rice is not for sale at any price during the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

Rice has four years remaining on his contract with the option for another 12 months and the Hammers are in a strong position to turn down bids.