Manuel Pellegrini wants to beat West Ham boss David Moyes to one of the most sensational free transfer signings available this summer.
This summer West Ham face a real crossroads as a club if they want to continue the brilliant progression of the last two years under Moyes.
The Hammers boss has admitted he will now have to start looking at a higher quality of player in order to do that.
His admission after the January window that West Ham pushed to sign Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez prove as much.
The Scot has also pointed out on several occasions that spending big money is not always the answer either, citing West Ham’s big splurge under his predecessor Pellegrini as a prime example.
On the face of it, West Ham will require at least six new signings and could need as many as 10 players in what Moyes himself has stated will be a big rebuild this summer (The Evening Standard).
Signing that many players in one window – as we have seen with some of the prices quoted in January – will not come cheap.
It is clear then that the free agent market – which this summer will be awash with talent perhaps more than ever before in the modern era – will be key for West Ham.
One player heavily linked with a move to West Ham in various media reports is classy Real Madrid midfield ace Isco.
According to a recent report from El Españyol, Moyes is desperate to bring the Spaniard to the London Stadium in the summer when he is out of contract at Real.
Report: Manuel Pellegrini wants to beat West Ham boss David Moyes to sensational free transfer signing this summer
Moyes has always insisted that he wants to bring young and hungry players to the London Stadium, as outlined here during an exclusive interview with WHUFC.com.
But he also said he will need higher class of player as well as experience mixed in with that, especially if West Ham are to continue to compete for – and in – Europe.
Now a new report from Spain claims Pellegrini wants to beat West Ham boss Moyes to the sensational free transfer signing this summer.
Marca claim ex Hammers manager Pellegrini wants to make the playmaker the highest-paid player at Real Betis following their Copa del Rey success.
And there is bad news for West Ham as Marca claims the lure of a reunion with Pellegrini could edge it for Isco after the pair worked together at Malaga earlier in their careers.
“The presence of Manuel Pellegrini at Betis is thought to be attractive to him (Isco),” Marca reports.
“Also attractive, of course, is the fine moment Los Verdiblancos are living. They’ve just lifted the Copa del Rey and remain an outside bet to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
“Pellegrini worked with Isco during their time together at Malaga. Both parties believe the 30-year-old can still regain his form and provide several more years of high-quality football.”
It seems Moyes may face a real battle if he genuinely does want to sign Isco.
But perhaps it was always a stretch for an intricate player like him to try and adapt to the cut and thrust of the English game at this late stage of his career.
On a free transfer, though, it could be worth the risk for West Ham to find out.