Manuel Pellegrini was pleased with the way his side performed in their 2-1 friendly victory over Brentford on Thursday.

The two sides clashed in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with goals from Robert Snodgrass and Javier Hernandez handing the Irons the win. 

Nevertheless, the Championship side worked the Irons hard, and Pellegrini was pleased with the run-out.

He told the club’s official website: “It’s a good match for the boys and particularly for the players who are maybe not playing in every game.

“It was a very useful game because we played well, we played with intensity and so it was all OK.”

Andy Carroll returned to action as a second-half substitute, and Pellegrini was happy to see him on the pitch once again.

“For Andy Carroll, for Lucas Perez, for Angelo Ogbonna, they all put in good performances,” he added.

“At this moment we don’t have space for them in the [Premier League] starting XI, but they worked very hard today.”

He added: “It was good to see Andy play 45 minutes without any problems and he is always a player who, when he comes on the pitch, gives different things, so I hope he can stay fit from now until the end of the season.

“He is always an important option.”

Roma and AC Milan are interested in Angelo Ogbonna, report Calciomercato.

The two Serie A clubs are looking to bolster their defence this January, and are keen on offering Ogbonna a return to Italian football. 

Ogbonna began his career in Italy with Torino, and spent a total of two years with Juventus prior to his move to east London.

Calciomercato now claim that both Serie A sides are ready to make an offer for the 30-year-old, who has played just seven times in all competitions this season.

West Ham will reportedly discuss a deal at €5 million, though both clubs could first look for a loan deal, with an obligation to buy in the summer.

Ogbonna last played 90 minutes for the club in the Premier League against Bournemouth in August. He played a total of 10 minutes against Leicester and Burnley.

The Premier League has confirmed that the transfer window will again close a day before the start of the 2019-20 season.

All 20 clubs were represented in a share-holders meeting on Thursday, during which the proposal was rubber-stamped, per Sky Sports News.

Transfer windows had previously ended on August 30, but the reduced window is seen as a way of reducing disruption for clubs, both those who wish to buy players and those keen to sell.

Five clubs rallied against the initial change in 2017; Manchester United, Manchester City, Watford, Swansea and Crystal Palace all wanted a later closure.

It remains to be seen if foreign leagues, such as Spain’s La Liga or Germany’s Bundesliga, will follow the Premier League’s example.

They did not choose to do so last summer, leading to two transfer deadline days.

David Gold has backed a golden handshake for outgoing Premier League chief Richard Scudamore.

Premier League clubs have each been asked to fork out £250,000, so they can hand Scudamore a £5 million payout. 

The idea originated with Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, and it seems as though the majority of clubs will go along with the request.

It has been speculated on Twitter that Huddersfield, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley and Crystal Palace all declined to participate.

But Gold is happy to give his share.

Speaking to BBC journalist Dan Roan, Gold said the payment was right.

“It’s all very appropriate,” he said. “We’re all very pleased, the clubs will support the action.”

Gold also claimed that critics of the payment were “looking for trouble”.

Andy Carroll played for West Ham United today!

The big striker came on as a substitute in a behind-closed-doors friendly between the Irons and Brentford on Thursday. 

He played the second half, joining Javier Hernandez in attack, as the Hammers won 2-1.

Robert Snodgrass scored the opener, and Chicharito the second, as the Irons were given a thorough test by the Championship club.

Carroll has not played a competitive game for the club this season, and last featured in the Premier League at the end of last season, when he played 24 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

It remains to be seen how quickly Carroll will be reintegrated into the team, but he gives manager Manuel Pellegrini a good option as a foil to Hernandez or Marko Arnautovic.

He scored three goals last season.

Jack Wilshere says he is feeling good after undergoing ankle surgery.

The former Arsenal midfielder has not featured for the Irons in the Premier League since September, in a 1-0 defeat to Wolves. 

However, he is nearing a return to action, and he says he will always back himself to make an impact on any team.

Talking to West Ham’s official website, he said: “Whenever I’m fit and playing in the Premier League, I’ve always said to everyone that I believe in my own ability,” he added

“Sometimes players go through tough times, injuries and stuff, but I always believe in my abilities. When I get back I’m looking to give my best performances.”

Wilshere has yet to win a league game in east London, also losing to Liverpool, Bournemouth and the Gunners, his former club.

Due to his injury, he was unable to play against Macclesfield in the Carabao Cup, and also missed the 3-1 cup win over Wimbledon.