Manuel Pellegrini has been linked with some stellar names this window, and two of the best could turn West Ham into a serious threat next term.
Manuel Pellegrini has expressed his desire to get West Ham United playing attacking and progressive football again next term, and the players the Chilean is being linked with certainly suggests he means business.
According to Sky Sports, Pellegrini is in talks to secure the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore for a fee of around £17 million, with the French champions willing to listen to offers because of concerns with Financial Fair Play regulations.
The signing would represent something of a masterstroke from Pellegrini at that price, and would instantly elevate the east London outfit to higher levels of expectations for next season.
Add to that the possibility of bringing in three-time Premier League winner and Manchester City legend, Yaya Toure, and West Ham would boast one of the most creative and dynamic midfields in the entire league.
Both focus their games around control and offence, looking to dictate the pace of the game and to craft openings for forwards. Pastore in particular will carry the ball through phases of the pitch, and will look for decisive passes in the final third.
The 35-year-old Ivorian has lost his legs in recent times, but still possesses elite quality and would keep West Ham ticking over with intelligent use of possession. Toure has exceptional vision, and placed alongside industrious midfielders like Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate, he would have the platform to shine.
West Ham supporters must be delirious with excitement this week, having also been linked with moves for Fulham starlet Ryan Fredericks (the Standard) and Lazio’s Brazilian speedster Felipe Anderson (Sky Sports).
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