Manuel Pellegrini is targeting moves for two defenders, a holding midfielder, and a wide player as he sets about his work at West Ham this summer, according to The Times.
The newspaper report that the Chilean is looking to bring in five new faces to the London Stadium in the coming weeks, with several of the current squad on the chopping block.
The Times claim that Pellegrini is willing to listen to offers for Andy Carroll, Sam Byram, Reece Burke, Jordan Hugill and Edimilson Fernandes, with all five in danger of an exit.
OPINION
It is not surprising to see that Pellegrini’s efforts will be directed towards building a solid defence. The Hammers back line was poor all season, conceding a joint league-high 68 goals in their 38 games. Solidity at the back will be key for the club if they want to climb the table next season, and Pellegrini is doing the right thing in focusing his efforts there. In terms of the players in danger of being sold, there is also little surprise at any of the names mentioned. Carroll has shown no signs of shaking off his persistent injury problems, and the club could probably still get a decent fee this summer. Byram has done little during his time at the club, and the same goes for Fernandes. Hugill and Burke can possibly count themselves slightly unlucky, but if the club want to progress then they will need to bring in higher quality players all round, so you can understand the reasoning.
