West Ham should forget Mario Lemina and put faith in Declan Rice

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West Ham United are reportedly keen on Southampton’s Mario Lemina, but Manuel Pellegrini arguably has a fantastic midfield option already in his ranks.

It seems fair to say that West Ham appear to have got very little wrong so far this summer, with a number of exciting signings brought in as they look to make sure that they find themselves nowhere near the relegation battle in the Premier League next year.

Manuel Pellegrini’s squad look to be in fantastic shape with the new campaign looming, but it appears that the Hammers are not quite down when it comes to new signings.

Sky Sports reported earlier this week that the Irons are in talks to sell Pedro Obiang, and could target Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina if they end up getting rid of the Spaniard.

If Pellegrini can get the best out of Lemina, he would be a sensational signing for West Ham. However, there are arguably a couple of reasons why the club should seriously consider abandoning any interest in the Gabon international.

BBC Sport reports that Lemina cost the Saints £18.1 million. Given that Mark Hughes probably has little intention of selling the midfielder this summer, it may not be a huge shock if West Ham have to offer significantly more than what the Saints paid if they hope to sign the 24-year-old.

And while that could still prove to be a superb move – on his day, he could look a class above the rest of the players on the pitch – his ability to go missing completely in some games and occasionally look completely disinterested should alarm the Hammers hierarchy.

Meanwhile, Pellegrini perhaps has a fantastic replacement for Obiang already in the ranks in Declan Rice. The Republic of Ireland international looks destined for great things, and some would argue that his future looks brightest in holding midfield.

The youngster now has a lot of competition for a place at centre-back, but looks to have all of the attributes required to play slightly further forward, providing further protection to the back-line.

Giving Rice a chance if Obiang is sold seems to make a lot of sense and would leave Pellegrini’s transfer kitty better off at a stage of the window where they perhaps only need another striker through the door for the icing to be put on the cake for this summer.