Manuel Pellegrini has reportedly five names on a transfer target list to replace Cheik Kouyate in the central defensive midfielder position. While he is keeping the actual names a closely guarded secret we list five candidates who have already been linked with the Hammers this season in that role.
Leander Dendoncker has long been linked with the Hammers. The 23 year old came up through the Anderlecht ranks having joined from Roeselare as a teenager, and has already racked up nearly 200 appearances for the Belgian giants. According to Foot Mercato, Dendoncker has snubbed moves to Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer. He could be available for a fee around £18m.
A report by Sky news in late July claimed West Ham is considering a move for Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina. The 24-year-old Gabonese international was targeted by Everton, Arsenal, West Ham, Valencia and Southampton last summer while still at Juventus. Southampton was the only club prepared to pay £16 million asking price rising to £20m with add-ons. The Saints announcing him on a five-year contract last August, a club record at the time. Could be available for £16m.
West Ham were also linked with Barcelona’s Brazilian midfielder Rafinha in mid July. The twice capped international midfielder played 17 games on loan with Inter last season in a deal which included an option to buy at around £35 million. He played 17 times for the Serie A outfit in the second half of the season scoring twice along the way. He is said to be available for around £31m which would most likely be outside the Hammers budget.
The Daily Mirror claimed two days ago that Manuel Pellegrini was ready to join the chase for Chelsea’s Danny Drinkwater with West Ham still keen to reinforce the midfield.
Leicester City are said to be leading the chase with a £20m bid with Chelsea are reportedly prepared to let the England international leave even though they will be looking at a loss of up to £15m. The 28-year-old could well return to his former club 
on a loan deal. It’s not just Leicester who are interested in him, so too are Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Southampton. West Ham would need to part with £20m or more to land Drinkwater.
The lastest rumour Lille defensive midfielder Thiago Maia who the Sun say West Ham are closing in on.
Up to now Newcastle United have been linked with Maia regularly through this summer transfer window. The 21 year old Brazilian midfielder only joined Lille a year ago. The Magpies reportedly had £10m bid rejected earlier this Summer and three weeks ago Le10Sport reported that Newcastle had made a loan offer with an option to buy.
Yesterday French media said that Newcastle have made a fresh loan offer for the coming season, which would include a buying option of around £22m (25m euros). Maia did well last season for the French club after joining for £12m.
From reports overnight appears Obiang is also on his way when we have signed a replacement and fee has been agreed,