Chelsea star admires Serie A star as West Ham United eye Turkish defender

Chelsea star Thiago Silva has revealed he has spoken to Paulo Dybala about a possible move to Stamford Bridge - and believes the Argentina international would ‘help the team a lot’.

Dybala spent last season with Roma after joining them from Serie A rivals Juventus last summer and he scored five goals in 11 games as Jose Mourinho’s side reached the Europa League Final before suffering penalty shoot-out heartache against Spanish club Sevilla.

After shining at the Stadio Olimpico, there have been some suggestions Dybala could be tempted by an offer from elsewhere and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly ready to try and land a player he first tried to sign during his time in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.

Silva described the forward as ‘a top player’ and admitted he would be keen to see Dybala join him at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports during their coverage of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the Brazil international said: “I saw Paulo Dybala here, they talk about him at Chelsea. I hope he arrives. I’ve talked with him and asked him if he is coming, he answered me, but I can’t say what he told me. I would really like him to become a Chelsea player, he is a top player. It would help the team a lot.”

The 3AM Verdict: “Chelsea have already added Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to their forward ranks this summer and there continues to be speculation over the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku. However, with Armando Broja working his way back to fitness and David Datro Fofana still in their squad, it would be a surprise to see another forward added to the Blues squad.”

Hammers target Serie A defender

West Ham United are reportedly ready to boost their defensive options by launching a bid for Atalanta defender Merih Demiral.

A report in Turkish news outlet Turkish-Football has revealed Hammers representatives watched the 25-year-old centre-back on several occasions over the last year and are now ready to step up their interest for the defender. Demiral joined Atalanta on a permanent deal from Juventus last summer after enjoying a successful season-long loan spell at the Gewiss Stadium during the previous season.

The report suggests Atalanta are not willing to take a ‘major loss’ on the £17m they paid for Demiral last summer but will accept an offer of around £15.5m before they will consider allowing the powerful defender to depart.

The 3AM Verdict: “Demiral has been linked with a move to the Premier League on several occasions long before he joined Atalanta on a permanent deal last summer. Despite their Europa Conference League win, West Ham still need to strengthen their defence and a move for the Turkey international would make sense.”

Magpies plan for potential signing revealed

Newcastle United and Everton are reportedly keen on Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton and have differing plans for the England Under-19 star.

The Sun have claimed the Toffees are also interested in the young midfielder and can offer him immediate first-team football. However, the Magpies views the youngster as a ‘long-term prospect’ and would be willing to send Wharton back to Blackburn on a season-long loan if they are successful in securing his services this summer.

The 3AM Verdict: “Wharton proved his unquestionable ability last season and put in some impressive performances for Rovers. Newcastle’s interest in the midfielder was initially reported during the second half of the season and their interest seems genuine as they look to add further young talent to their ranks.”