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West Ham are in desperate need of improvements to their squad this summer and midfield is likely to be an area of focus.

The first piece of business on the Hammers’ check-list has been crossed off following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini, who has signed a three-year contract at the London Stadium.

Pellegrini has already started to identify targets for the transfer window ahead andĀ The MirrorĀ claim he could push for a loan deal bringing England talent Phil Foden to the club.

Highly-rated 17-year-old Foden has caught the eye with his performances for Manchester City, earning five senior appearances for the club, and Pellegrini could use his contacts with his former side to bring the teenager to east London.

City are keen to see Foden develop and could be open to allowing him to move to a Premier League side on-loan to earn further first-team experience, although a final decision lies with Pep Guardiola.

A move to West Ham could be seen as too soon given his age and City could elect to keep him under wraps for another year or two.