WEST Ham boss Alan Curbishley spent the weekend in Italy, eyeing up new players and touching base with new technical director Gianluca Nani.

With his side not in action, Curbishley opted to watch three matches during his visit, including the 0-0 draw between Nani's current club Brescia and Bari.

He also discussed future plans with the Italian, who takes up his new post with the east Londoners in June.

Curbishley said: "I went out there because obviously we need to have dialogue.

"The opportunity arose so I saw three games in all in the time I was out there.

"Nani came over last week as well to watch the reserve team game and came to the training ground and met everybody so it's ongoing.

"It's an easy situation to get on with and we're obviously having dialogue all the time - but it's much easier face to face."

The pair also talked about potential summer signings and Curbishley (pictured) added: "I got to see players who could be on our shopping list.

"I was looking at a couple of games, but the main purpose was to have some dialogue."