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Report: West Ham in pole position to loan Chelsea’s Danny Drinkwater

Manuel Pellegrini the manager (James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
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West Ham United reportedly want Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater.

Danny Drinkwater of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on February 16, 2018 in London, England.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, West Ham are the current front-runners in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater on loan in the final hours of the January transfer window.

Drinkwater has endured a frustrating spell under Maurizio Sarri, having not played any first-team game since coming on for the final half-hour in the Community Shield back in August.

He appears set to leave the Blues on loan this month, with the Daily Mail reporting that West Ham, Burnley, Bournemouth and Fulham all want the £35 million 28-year-old on a temporary basis.

And the Mail adds that it is Manuel Pellegrini’s men who lead the race to land Drinkwater before Thursday’s deadline.

Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi (L) vies with Chelsea's English midfielder Danny Drinkwater during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match...

It seems likely that it would be a deal that would be met with some scepticism amongst the Hammers fans if the club could complete a move this month.

Drinkwater has barely played since joining Chelsea, so he would potentially need some time before his match sharpness is where it needs to be. And with Declan Rice and Mark Noble performing well in the middle of the park, there is no guarantee that he will get the game-time he needs.

But if Pellegrini can get the best out of him, he could arguably prove to be a very good signing. And given Sarri’s reluctance to use him, perhaps there may be scope for a longer move at the end of the campaign if the Premier League winner does join West Ham and does manage to impress.

Manuel Pellegrini the manager