West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has got five names on his midfield shortlist as he plots to sign at least two new central stars this summer, according to Claret and Hugh.
The reliable fan-based news website claim that the Irons boss is keen on seeing a pair of new arrivals to bolster the middle of the park, with a £20million bid said to have been tabled for Sporting CP’s Bruno Fernandes, who has a reported valuation of £25million, after his 20 assists for the Portuguese side last season.
Jack Wilshere, who is a free agent after his exit from Arsenal, is also said to be one of the five, although he will reportedly have to undergo extensive medical examinations to ensure he is carrying no issues after his long history of injury setbacks.
Opinion
West Ham do already have some proven talents in the middle of the park in the shape of Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang, but Pellegrini is right to be looking for some new recruits to help boost the depth and quality running through the squad. Fernandes certainly looks an attacking threat with his vision both to set his team mates up as well as get on the score sheet himself, while Wilshere has never hit the heights his potential promised all those years ago. The two might be considered as too similar though, and if there are any defensive midfielders on that five man shortlist, then the West Ham boss might want to explore the possibility of bringing them in to help complement the creative talents that the club have at their disposal. It promises to be an exciting time for the Irons faithful, and after last season’s debacle both on and off the pitch, many would say they deserve it.