West Ham United turn attention to Michael Ciani?

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has reportedly turned to Lazio centre-back Michael Ciani to bolster his defensive options at Upton Park.

The Hammers were believed to be keen on Manchester City duo Micah Richards and Matija Nastasic, but the former is close to joining Fiorentina, while the latter is believed to be keen to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

As a result, Allardyce has been forced to reassess his plans, with 30-year-old Ciani now his top target, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Ciani, who joined Lazio from Bordeaux in 2012, has recently been linked with a switch to Crystal Palace.