Report: Hammers to join race for Chelsea midfielder

The Daily Mirror claims that Manuel Pellegrini is ready to join the chase for Chelsea’s Danny Drinkwater with West Ham still keen to reinforce in midfield. The tabloid also repeats the claim that wants to beef up their attack with Porto’s 23-goal marksman Moussa Marega.

Leicester City are said to be leading the chase with a £20m bid with Chelsea are reportedly prepared to let the England international leave even though they will be looking at a loss of up to £15m. The 28-year-old could well return to his former club on a loan deal. It’s not just Leicester who are interested in him, so too are Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Southampton

Drinkwater main position is central midfield which makes him an unlikely for West Ham who is prioritising a defensive midfielder. As reported yesterday Moussa Marega is also unlikely with only ‘a tiny interest’ held in the 27-year-old striker.

Either way, West Ham have spent their primary transfer budget investing around £108m so any incoming additions would need to be funded by outbound sales most likely any combination of Oxford, Hugill,  Byram, Kouyate, Obiang or even perhaps Antonio.