Pellegrini breaks silence on Obiang

Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Pedro Obiang is likely to leave telling Sky Sports  “Probably Pedro will return to Italy. I spoke with him last season. I told him that we need him in the squad and I cannot allow him to go to Italy but if things go well last season he will have the doors open as like every player. [If West Ham gets a] good offer and the player wants to go – not a problem, we will replace him.”

Club captain Mark Noble also told Sky Sports News: “Pedro Obiang – I think he’s gone.”

The 27-year-old will have a medical today in hopes to finalise a deal to Sassuolo worth just over £7m.

Obiang has wanted to leave since Christmas last year but has been the ultimate professional and has been patiently waiting for his move back to Italy where he has a family. Should the deal be completed it is expected to announced later this week.