Irons duo to stay killing widespread speculation

West Ham are not in the market for a left back despite the widespread belief that Manuel Pellegrini was ready to let either Arthur Masuaku or Aaron Cresswell leave the London Stadium.

The manager has made a defensive midfielder and new striker his major priorities in this window and  we understand Director of Football Mario Husillos  is chasing two or three front men in Europe.

The boss believes that in Cresswell and Masuaku he is okay in that area and that his pressing needs are elsewhere in the squad.

Aleksander Mirtovic and Salomon Rondon are still among the names on his and Pellegrini’s list but the DoE is very much on the case with others – as yet unnamed.

Pelle will be pleased to have seen his transfer kitty boosted by another €8 million following the sale of Edmison Fernandez and the club are now definitely ready to allow Chicharito to go this summer.

The player is currently on holiday and out of contact with the club but any bid of between £8m-£10m would be acceptable although whether the Mexican is ready to take a cut on a Hammers salary of £140k a week elsewhere remains to be seen.

At a more minor level Jordan Hugill – having finished his loan spell at Middlesbrough – is available at a small fee which with Chicharito sold could see the transfer fund boosted by around £20m ( Fernandes £8 million, Hernandez £8 million and Hugill £4 million).

Pedro Obiang also wants out and a return to Europe  could be expected to raise another £6 million.

On top of that Pellegrini will not have given up on the idea that Sullivan and Gold will reach into their pockets for another £10 million or so which has regularly been the case in previous windows!