Sassuolo are stepping up talks for Spezia right-back Emil Holm, who had also been linked with Juventus, Atalanta, Napoli, Brighton and West Ham.
The 23-year-old has two senior caps for Sweden and his contract with Spezia runs to June 2026, but he is looking for a boost in his career after their relegation to Serie B.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Sassuolo are increasing the intensity of their negotiations with Spezia to get a deal over the line.
Holm would be their ideal replacement for Mert Muldur, who completed his transfer to Fenerbahce this week.
There is no shortage of competition for his signature, including Juventus, Atalanta and Napoli, while in the Premier League he caught the eye of West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
The asking price for Holm is believed to be in the region of €7m, especially as Spezia owe his old club Sonderjyske a 30 per cent cut of the transfer fee.