David Moyes is still searching for another defensive midfielder but one of his longstanding targets could be off the menu.
Pellegrini’s last West Ham line-up shows just how much has changed under Moyes
According to West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh, Moyes has identified the areas he wants to strengthen as he continues rebuilding the club.
West Ham have been much-improved under Moyes since football returned after the first lockdown.
The Hammers look more organised and are much more competitive this season.
Hammers moving in the right direction but Moyes still short in key areas
But supporters – and Moyes it seems – have been concerned over the lack of strength in depth in key positions, namely up front, in central defence and defensive midfield.
Injuries to Michail Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna have already exposed how precariously place West Ham’s squad is at each end of the pitch.
And West Ham fans daren’t envisage a situation where one of – or both – Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek are not available.
Moyes has been linked with a host of defensive midfielders since arriving at the club back in January.
And one very much on his radar was AC Milan’s Franck Kessie (Evening Standard).
Moyes wanted Kessie to bolster defensive midfield strength
West Ham were said to be still interested in Ivory Coast international Kessie in the summer window (The Mirror). With the 23-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2022, Milan were said to be keen to cash in after the player expressed a desire to move to the Premier League.
But Moyes may be forced into a rethink after a new report from Italy claimed Milan are now confident of extending Kessie’s contract (Tuttomercatoweb).
“Milan are reportedly in advanced talks with Franck Kessie over a new contract at San Siro, hoping to tie the midfielder down until June 2024,” Tuttomercatoweb claims.
“Kessie arrived on a two-year loan from Atalanta in July 2017 before moving on a permanent deal in July 2019. He has established himself as a key member of Stefano Pioli’s side. The Ivorian’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2022.”
Tuttomercatoweb reveals Kessie could pen a new deal until June 2024.
An alternative for Moyes may Sheffield United’s John Lundstram.
Lundstram could be cost effective West Ham alternative
According to Sky Sports, talks to extend Lundstram’s contract at Sheffield United have broken down.
That means the former Everton and England Under 20 midfielder will be available on a free transfer next summer.
West Ham boss Moyes handed Lundstram his first professional contract when he was in charge at Everton.
with his contract up in the summer, the 26-year-old is not expected to command a large fee.
That will be hugely attractive to West Ham, who still have unspent funds from the summer window.
Ex West Ham boss Pellegrini lauded by Marca for job he is doing at Betis
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