West Ham United are unlikely to replace midfielder Pedro Obiang, who is closing in on a move to Sassuolo, according to Claret and Hugh.
The reliable club news source claim that Manuel Pellegrini deemed the Spaniard as surplus to requirements at the London Stadium and believes he has enough strength in depth to cover his potential loss.
Claret and Hugh report that clubs insiders had revealed that the offer they had received for Obiang was much lower than a suggestion of £10million.
Italian club Sassuolo were reported by Gianluca Di Marzio on Saturday to have had an offer of £7million accepted for the 27-year-old, who will complete a move to the Serie A once returning from China.
OPINION
Pellegrini and West Ham could be playing a very dangerous game if they don’t look to replace Obiang should he complete his move to Sassuolo. The Spaniard was definitely still capable of performing to a high level in the heart of the Hammers midfield. The Chilean must be happy with back-up options in Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez, should Mark Noble and Declan Rice continue in midfield next season. That is a risk, especially given how injury-prone both Wilshere and Sanchez have been in recent times at the London Stadium. Both the Colombian and Wilshere missed a combined total of 64 games last season for the Hammers, almost two seasons worth of football according to Transfermarkt. Should that happen again, which could both be likely after they both underwent surgery, Pellegrini could be left looking around for answers. Josh Cullen could have been another option, but the youngster surely sealed his fate with a lackluster performance against Newcastle on Saturday.
