West Ham United have been dealt a blow in the race to sign Bologna striker Simone Verdi during the January window.

Hammers boss David Moyes is in the hunt for a new forward as he looks to move the club away from the Premier League relegation zone, and 25-year-old Verdi had allegedly been identified as a possible target.

However, Bologna sporting director Riccardo Bigon has insisted that the frontman will be remaining in Italy until the end of the current campaign.

Bigon told Sky Sport Italia: "Simone doesn't want to move in January and the club also don't want to lose him.

"We are not considering the possibility of giving him away at the moment and we want to finish the league with the same squad."

Verdi has scored five goals and contributed four assists in 17 league games this season.