West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini will adjust his targets in the transfer market following Manuel Lanzini’s injury blow, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Hammers news website, which is a reliable source for insider information, claim that Joao Mario is now a serious option with some of Pellegrini’s £75million budget to be diverted towards a replacement attacker.
Claret and Hugh claim that Pellegrini had planned to bring in two new centre-backs, but Pellegrini may now just chase one in a major summer switch, with Swansea City star Alfie Mawson the clear candidate after a failed opening bid.
It is said that West Ham are also likely to return with a bid for Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
Lanzini ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while training with Argentina ahead of the World Cup, with the playmaker now set to miss several months of action.
OPINION
It is not surprising to hear that Pellegrini is set to adjust his targets in the market after the blow of Lanzini’s injury. Losing the Argentine maestro is a massive blow, and one that will have massive repercussions on the first-team environment. Lanzini was set for a starring role under Pellegrini’s West Ham revolution, but will now have to watch from the sidelines as this new-look Hammers side get going next season. In terms of his replacement, Mario looks to be the best option for the club considering the success of his loan stint last season, but price may be an issue. Inter are thought to want £25million for the 25-year-old, but for Pellegrini to drop a third of his budget on a player he did not even want to move for before now would be a big move. It is possible that he may seek out cheaper alternatives before deciding on the sensible move.
