Report: Hammers midfielder at centre of new interest

Fiorentana are reportedly facing a challenge from Sassuolo for the signature of Pedro Obiang according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Italian outlet claims that the former Sampdoria star had been close to a return with the Florence-based team, but that Sassuolo are now also in the hunt.

Roma were reported to have an interest at on stage but there have been no firm moves for the player despite regular links to allegedly interested clubs.

Both he and Chicharito – assuming our striker targets are met – are seen as players who can help considerably towards attracting the finance required for new blood manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen to introduce – hopefully raising around £18m.

The player had been looking for a move last summer but instead the Hammers moved out Chiek Kouyate,  who had been kicking up a fuss about his West Ham position after some indifferent performances.

Obiang,27, by comparison, acted entirely professionally getting on with the job at had despite suffering some form lapses and deserves his move as he approaches the best age to advance his career.