Pelle set to return for midfield target

Gary Medel was the only player in whom the Irons were interested in January.

Manuel Pellegrini still has his eyes on Besiktas midfielder Gary Medel as midfield cover for Declan Rice and could make a quick move once the summer transfer window opens..

The 31 year old Chilean midfielder is well known to the boss who is ware that should Declan become injured or suspended he has no natural replacement.

And he has already admitted that Medel, who is out of contract in Turkey next summer, is the only player who was genuinely on his radar as a possible arrival in the winter.

The midfielder has made it clear he is unready to sign a new deal with Besiktas and is keen to remain for a final fling in the Premier League.

And the Turkish club knowing he can walk away as a free agent in 2020 are likely to entertain talks with the Irons.

He is likely to cost around £5 million and Pellegrini sees him as a real option given that it would be difficult to attract a younger player given the amazing progress Declan has made in making the defensive midfield role his own.

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon