West Ham are set to be handed a small transfer budget boost this summer as former midfielder Pierre Ekwah could depart Sunderland for Serie A.

The club sold Ekwah to Sunderland for just 350k in January 2023, after failing to break through at the London Stadium after arriving for 1.4m from Chelsea in July 2021.

Many Hammers fans were disappointed to see more money wasted on a failed move for a young player. However, West Ham inserted a sell-on clause, meaning the club will receive between 25 and 35% of any future sale, and he looks set to be on the move this summer.

Ekwah has had a brilliant 18 months at the Stadium of Light and has attracted interest from Serie A side Udinese. According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, the Italian side has sent a formal proposal to Sunderland and talks are underway between the player and the club.

It is unclear how much Udiense have bid for the former Hammer, his Transfermarkt rating is €2.8m. However, it is expected that The Black Cats would demand at least £5m for the Frenchman, if not closer to £10m. This would mean West Ham would likely earn a minimum of 1.25m from the deal.

The midfielder has also been linked to the Premier League after showing brilliant form in the Championship, Fulham and Crystal Palace were said to be interested earlier in the year. The Hammers will be hoping they both make moves for the French midfielder as it could drive the price up.