Wilshere/Fernandes update

Wilshere is very much a Pellegrini ‘pick’

The Hammers fully intend bringing in two more midfielders before the transfer window closes in  early August.

Currently there are FIVE on a list compiled by Manuel Pellegrini and his director of football Mario Husillos and they are aiming to bring them both in as quickly as possible.

Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes at £25 million and free agent Jack Wilshere are on the list although we have been told this morning any deal offered to the former Arsenal man would be subject to an exhaustive medical given his past injury issues.

The club are also actively pursuing Fernandes despite a fractured relationship over with his club over the William Carvahlo deal and we understand a £20 million offer is on the table.

One of the two will be a direct replacement for Manuel Lanzini who is predicted to be out until next season although he has put a “this season target” on his comeback.

Wilshere had been out of the club’s plans entirely until the new manager made it clear that he was keen and talks are ongoing between Husillos and the player’s representatives The Wasserman Media Group.

There remain worries on that score but the board are clearly determined to back the manager’s choices regardless of their previous reservations.

Both Wilshere’s re-emergence after months of ‘thanks but no thanks’ to a possible transfer and the board’s decision to back their manager’s choices will come as a pleasant surprise to many fans.

Wilshire made 20 Premier League appearances for one goal last season after returning from Bournemouth on loan where he made 29 appearances in the 2016/17 season without a goal.