West Ham United have joined Napoli in the race to sign a £17m-rated Belgian defender, according to a recent report.

The Hammers are set to miss out on European football this season and transfer planning has already begun behind the scenes.

It seems as though Julen Lopetegui will be the man to replace David Moyes and one of his first signings could be a promising young centre-back.

• READ MORE: West Ham United set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for Kylian Mbappe’s former roommate

West Ham target Zeno Debast

West Ham United are in the race to sign Anderlecht centre-back Zeno Debast but face competition from Napoli, according to areanapoli.it.

Tuttojuve originally cited The Irons as an interested party and now it seems potential suitors are mounting.

The Belgian club are hopeful of sanctioning a £17m sale for the 2003-born but recognise, due to his contract expiring next year, that they may have to resign to a fee of around £13.7m.

Debast has earned comparisons to Belgium and Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany.

For that price, interest will only intensify over the next few weeks, so it seems West Ham will need to move quickly if they are to land his signature.

• READ MORE: West Ham have an ‘outstanding’ player out on loan who could save them millions this summer

Zeno Debast statistics

Debast’s statistics make for very impressive reading.

The 20-year-old ranks in the top six per cent for progressive passes compared to his positional peers across Europe, as per FBref.

Further, he sits in the top 12 per cent for successful take-ons, evincing his willingness to play out from the back.

Despite his age, Debast has already captained Anderlecht, which shows his leadership qualities and potential to be a future skipper.

Whoever acquires his signature this summer will be getting one of the bargains of the window.

• READ MORE: Troy Deeney thinks West Ham’s players should have one concern over Julen Lopetegui appointment