SUNDERLAND’S hopes of signing West Ham striker Diafra Sakho have been boosted the Hammers’ strengthening interest in Carlos Bacca.

But the Black Cats will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals West Brom if they opt to make a formal move for Sakho, who is valued at more than £10m.

Sam Allardyce is determined to sign a new centre-forward this summer, and while he continues to covet Swansea duo Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis, he regards Sakho as an even more appealing option, having signed the 26-year-old from Metz when he was West Ham boss.

Sakho managed just seven Premier League goals last season, and Slaven Bilic is set to move him on, along with fellow forward Enner Valencia, provided he can sign a new frontline striker of his own this summer.

That scenario moved a major step closer yesterday as Bacca’s representatives travelled to London for talks.

Sources in Italy claim AC Milan have rejected West Ham’s initial £15m offer for Bacca, but that has not prevented the Colombian’s agents from seeking face-to-face talks with the Hammers hierarchy.

There is an expectation that AC Milan will eventually accept a compromise fee of around £17m, enabling Bacca to complete his long-held ambition of moving to the Premier League.

His arrival would hasten Sakho’s departure, but Sunderland would not be the only club pursuing the Senegal international if he was allowed to leave West Ham.

West Brom are also hoping to complete a deal for the striker, with Tony Pulis also keen to bolster his side’s forward line before the season begins in August.

The Baggies are likely to be scouring the same kind of market as Sunderland this summer, and Sakho’s proven ability in the Premier League will be a key attraction to both clubs.

Meanwhile, Emanuele Giaccherini is close to completing a £6m move to Torino, with the Italian side having leapfrogged Serie A rivals Bologna in the race to acquire his services.

Giaccherini spent last season on loan at Bologna, and his former temporary employers remain keen to sign him on a permanent basis.

However, they are struggling to match Torino in terms of finances, and the Turin-based side have been in touch with Sunderland officials to discuss their willingness to pay up to £6m for the winger.

Giaccherini is one of three Sunderland players who will be involved in Euro 2016 this month, with John O’Shea having been named in the Republic of Ireland squad and Seb Larsson having been confirmed as part of Sweden’s final 23-man group.