West Ham linked with midfielders despite lack of manager

According to the Daily Star, West Ham have made a £5.7 million bid for Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang.

It is no secret that West Ham are admirers of Obiang as his name has been constantly linked with the Upton Park club over the past few weeks.

Amidst rival Premier League interest, West Ham have made the first move for the box to box midfielder and hope to clinch a deal by the time the transfer window opens on July 1^st. The Spanish midfielder has featured for the Italian side regularly this season and has been tipped to replace Alex Song in the centre of midfield. Alongside Cheikou Kouyate, West Ham could have an incredibly athletic and physical midfield if Obiang does choose to come to Upton Park.

Another name linked with a move to West Ham is former Leeds United winger Max Alain-Gradel. The club have been interested in the Ivorian for a long time now and came very close to signing him in January 2014 when the winger travelled to London before a potential move broke down.

Now, West Ham have ignited their interest in Gradel. The 27-year-old has been in blistering form for St-Etienne this season, scoring 19 goals in 42 appearances. West Ham are in need of adding more pace to their side as well as width and Gradel fits the criteria in both senses here. The Hammers are believed to be in competition with newly promoted Bournemouth and Championship side Leeds United but are understandably firm favourites if they decide to move for the attacking midfielder.