West Ham retain a heavy interest in Fulham duo Ryan Fredericks and Tom Cairney after the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager, according to the Evening Standard.
The newspaper report that confirmation of Pellegrini as their next boss has not tempered the club’s hunt for right-back Fredericks and attacking midfielder Cairney.
The Standard claim that any potential moves will however depend on the outcome of Saturday’s Championship play-off final, with Fulham set to face Aston Villa for a place in the Premier League next season.
Good move for West Ham?
A move for Fredericks makes perfect sense for the Hammers, with the jet-heeled flyer available on a free this summer.
The 25-year-old speed demon would bring more dynamism to the right side of defence, which would suit Pellegrini’s style of play, and that one looks to be a no-brainer.
Cairney on the other hand is a different matter entirely, with the classy playmaker set to cost the Hammers a relatively large fee this summer.
Previous reports suggested the 27-year-old Scotland international would cost around £20million, and there are surely other, less injury-prone players around who would be better options for the club at this point in time.
Forever West Ham rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
As the report states, the major issue here will be the result of the play-off final on Saturday.
Should Fulham win that, then the likelihood will surely be that Fredericks and Cairney will stay at Craven Cottage.
However, should Villa win, then both moves would very much be on the cards, with both players known to have designs on playing in the top-flight.
Forever West Ham rating: 5/10
