Pellegrini moving fast to grab priority signing
Despite the player indicating that he may be ready to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage, the Hammers are keen to talk with the Hammersmith-born right back when he is out of contract.
We understand that Manuel Pellegrini has made up his mind that he will listen to offer for Sam Byram and like David Moyes before him, sees the 25 year old as a realistic target.
He is also keen on Tom Cairney as he bids to liven up the Hammers lethargic midfield but the Scot is on a long term deal at Fulham and that will prove difficult.
The Chilean has a long term reputation for getting deals done quickly and makes rapid decisions on the players he wants to bring to the club.
To that end, we understand he has already handed the board a list of targets and the preliminary discussions with agents on availability and wages could start very quickly.