West Ham have got the ball rolling on a stunning swoop for former Manchester midfielder Yaya Toure as they engage in crucial talks with the Ivory Coast international, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report that new Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is keen on reuniting with his former star, having won the Premier League title together, and that the club have taken huge leaps to close in on his capture by getting him in to discuss personal terms over a move.
The 35-year-old will be a free agent when his contract, which was said to be worth £220,000-a-week, expires at the Etihad Stadium, and despite his huge income at City, it is stated that West Ham are confident they can come to an agreement over what would be a shock move this summer.
Good move for West Ham?
It all depends on what they are expecting from the midfield powerhouse.
At 35, he is heading for his final swansong and the Irons would be pushed to get a year or two of top quality performances out of the veteran, having only started one Premier League game last season.
The experience he has could play a crucial role in guiding the club to success and it may be that others around him have to do the running while he dictates play when he is picked.
Pellegrini, having worked so closely with Toure, will know how to get the best out the veteran, as well as having the ability to trust him week in, week out, but it could well prove to be an expensive risk for West Ham.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
If this was just a rumour of West Ham being interested, then it would be a solid zero.
However, the fact he is said to be in crucial talks, as well as Pellegrini being manager, this one looks like it could have some serious legs.
Are West Ham about to pull off the most stunning deal of the summer? It sure looks like it.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10