Manuel Pellegrini and Mario Husillos have a target list of players known only to themselves as the transfer window approaches fast.

The pair are now entirely in charge of all arrivals and exits and at this stage the list of names Husillos in particular is involved in chasing are known to nobody outside the two of them.

The board agreed the final budget for summer a couple of weeks ago when the £30 million plus all sales was confirmed as the final package.

Husillos is currently talking to the agents of those players at the top of the duo’s list as he bids to strengthen the squad.

The only names – best described as fictional in most cases – appear courtesy mainly of the European media although both Salomon Rondon and Alexsander Mitrovic are known to be of interest.

However, a highly placed source Hammers source said: “There could be a surprise or two on the cards as Mario works very much alone in the transfer windows and only one or two people will know what’s happening once the management team have got together after a short summer break.”

Andy Carroll’s days at West Ham may not quite be at an end!

Although there is zero chance of him being offered a new deal, his ongoing injury problems mean that he has little or no chance of landing a deal elsewhere at this stage .

And in those circumstances he will need training facilities to ensure that he can get himself in condition to interest any clubs who may be eventually consider offering him a contract.

The Hammers are ready to let him use the Rush Green facilities to ensure that he can get himself into shape for the new season but that’s about as far as their involvement with him will go as he completes his time as a permanent squad member.

Stories that he could land a pay as you play deal emerged in the media a couple of weeks back which were immediately denied by a senior source to ClaretandHugh but he added today: “It would be mean spirited to say no should he need training facilities.

Dutch international Kevin Strootman has been linked with the Irons over recent days.

The Marseilles midfielder is being offered to various clubs including the Irons and although Manuel Pellegrini has no serious track record on loan signings this one has been speculated quite heavily.

The 29 year old – with numerous international appearances – would appear to be a reasonable signing although the Hammers midfield looks pretty crowded at the moment.

We currently have Mark Noble, Manu Lanzini , Felipe Anderson, Robert Snodgrass, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez Andriy Yarmolenko and Declan Rice available so whether a move for Strootman is required is debatable.

Hammers fans appear to think it might be after we conducted a poll on the subject. Around 1,000 took part and there was a majority in favour of bringing him in.

Those voting that it would be a good move commanded just over 63 per cent of the vote with around 37 per cent voting against a move for the player.

Adrian could well be in for a move to Anfield this summer if reports in Liverpool are to be believed.

It seems clear from his waves to the London Stadium crowd at the end of the last days that the Spaniard is now on his way out of the club after an often distinguished six year spell at the club.

Despite having to play second fiddle behind Darren Randolph, Joe Hart (sigh) and now Lukasz Fabianski he has been an uncomplaining professional who deserves great admiration for his behaviour.

Now, however, he is being linked with Liverpool as a potential No 2 by the reliable Liverpool Echo who claim that Jurgen Klopp has kept a regular eye on him.

Whether the prospect of again becoming No 2 at a Premier League club as he heads for 33 years of age is debatable.

But wherever he decides to make on his future he deserves much recognition for his impeccable behaviour during what must have been some very difficult years.

Aaron Cresswell’s future at West Ham appears to be in the balance according to various reports which have leaked into the public domain.

Injury and loss of form over the past 12 – 18 months have put the once reliable left back in the frame for a possible move.

The defensive role has been under discussion for a long time now with neither he or Arthur Masuaku  looking the answer in a role which continually creates alarm bells when we come under pressure defensively down that side.

He is one of the last Sam Allardyce signings and was bought essentially for his ability to provide aerial service to Andy Carroll.

But with Pellegrini playing an entirely different game (Thank God) his usefulness in that kind of role is now reducing considerably and to be quite honest it’s a quality which has been diminishing from his game for some time.

Defensively he often looks fragile and Masuaku is now a better option going forward  so it could easily be that with just two years left on a seven year deal, this summer may be the time to sell.

Everton have been reported as being interested and after buying him for £4 million in 2014 the Irons would likely double their money.

This looks like the time to sell if the opportunity presents itself and to bring in a hard tackling defender behind the often exciting Masuaku.

Hammers midfielder Josh Cullen has a perfect opportunity to make an impact on Manuel Pellegrini’s thinking when he steps out for Charlton against Sunderland tomorrow (Sun) in the Leaue One play off final.

The 23 year old has enjoyed a fine loan spell at the Addicks this season and wants to round it off in style against Sunderland.

The player has already revealed that he is returning to the Hammers for pre-season and that his perfect scenario would be to stay at the London Stadium and force his way into the first team squad.

In the meantime he is on a mission for Charlton and himself as he bids to avoid the sort of play off disappointment he experienced when part of the Bradford team beaten by Millwall in the same level play off final.

And with Pellegrini likely to be watching he knows this is a superb opportunity to make a big impression ahead of pre-season.

He said: “I’ve been there and done it before and I know it’s a great occasion and a great arena to play in, but I want to make sure we get the win this time.

“Playing in front of a big crowd is obviously different and I should mention our fans have been fantastic and they’ve stuck by us and going to Wembley is for them. I’m sure they’ll pack it out again.

“The lads are buzzing to be playing at one of the best stadiums in the world will be ready. We will all prepare right and be mentally and physically ready to go on Sunday.”

(Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)

West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Millwall goalkeeper David Martin.

With Adrian on his way this summer and the club ready to allow Nathan Trott to join a Chapionship club on loan, Martin is set to become back up to Lukasz Fabianski on a one or two year deal.

The 33 year – despite reportedly having been offered a new contract by Millwall – is ready to quit The Den for the London Stadium.

The Irons were never likely to spend heavily on a back-up stopper in the current circumstances believing Trott to the their future behind the sticks.

And Martin – despite having made 339 appearances at MK Dons over seven years – has appeared just 15 times since joining the south London outfit.

The Hammers were only ever in the keeper market for an experienced keeper who could be signed on a short one or two year term deal and, according to The Mail, Martin is the one they are going for.

Meanwhile the club will entertain loan offers for Under 23 Trott who according to training ground sources is more than ready for a move to a quality Championship outfit.

The stopper signed a new three year deal earlier in the year declaring at the time : “Signing this new deal is a great moment for me

“When you’re working hard every day on the training pitch, trying to perform as best as you can for the manager, and your hard work gets noticed, it’s a great feeling.”

West Ham this afternoon proudly announced that it had signed the biggest sponsorship deal in its history when renewing its partnership with Betway for another six years.

Sadly, however, the reality is that whilst it may be the biggest the club has ever agreed, it remains a million miles behind the big hitting Premier League outfits.

For CandH has learned that West Ham’s deal with the on-line betting company is worth around £7m-£8m a year or between £40-£50m over the terms of the contract.

Not unnaturally there was a a fair amount of spin surrounding the announcement but the truth is that the figures are tiny when compared to the likes of the Premier League big hitters.

In 2018 United, for example ,had a total of 68 commercial deals worth around £269 million a year – the world’s biggest -whilst City had nine global partners including the likes of Nike and Nissan.

Chelsea secured a new £50m sleeve sponsorship deal with car manufacturer Hyundai last year according to The Times.whilst Arsenal  announced a new £300 million kit deal with  giant adidas which willstarted last season according to The Independent.

Spurs renewed with AIA as their shirt sponsors on  a deal worth £16 million a year back in 2014 and probably now in the region of £20 million plus.