Davide Santon could solve West Ham’s problems at left-back following Aaron Cresswell's injury layoff.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has been searching for an experienced defender since Cresswell hurt his knee in pre-season, ruling him out for up to four months.
Bilic failed with a loan bid for Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs and has turned his attentions to Inter Milan’s Santon.
The former Newcastle defender saw a move to Napoli, which had been agreed with the Italian club, fall through due to knee problems.
However, Inter insist there is not an issue and Santon has played in the club’s pre-season games.
Santon’s knee will be examined during a medical with West Ham, who are looking for a season-long loan deal.
However, if the move is a success than the Hammers could buy him next summer for about £5m. The 25-year-old won the last of his eight Italy caps in 2013.
