• EXCLUSIVE by CandH northern correspondent

Terry Robbins

Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to become the perfect target for the Hammers with indications coming out of the club that Pep Guardiola looking to recruit a new left-back.

The Ukraine international, whilst content at the Etihad stadium, has like Andriy Yarmolenko, had more important matters on his mind, with the Russian invasion of his homeland

Zinchenko, however, is still waiting to hear back on a new contract and was being touted for a possible move last summer, with just two left on his present deal in Manchester.

The talented 25-year-old accepts rotation with Joao Cancelo – widely considered to be one of the best full-backs in world football.

Irons boss David Moyes is a huge admirer of the winger turned defender and discreet enquiries were made about his potential availability last summer.

Now our sources  in Manchester can exclusively reveal that City’s scouts are on the lookout for another left-back.

That could be due to France defender Benjamin Mendy being due to face trial in July charged with seven counts of rape.

Insiders at the Etihad insist boss Pep Guardiola wants another top left-back and that could make Zinchenko think – certainly if a new contract isn’t on the table in the coming weeks.

Zinchenko is a top player in his own right and has excellent technique, regularly joining up with the City midfield and creating an extra man.

He earns around £70k a week at City and is valued in the £40m range.

Moysie will surely be keeping an eye on this new situation and Zinchenko could get the lowdown on the Hammers from  Ukrainian pal Yarmo.