WEST HAM have reportedly identified their midfield targets for the summer as they look to replace the departing Declan Rice.
The Hammers look resigned to the fact they will lose their captain in the summer with Arsenal currently said to be leading the race for the England star’s signature.
Conor Gallagher has been unable to recreate his lightning form from Crystal Palace this season at Chelsea
Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice often play together at the heart of Gareth Southgate’s England midfield
David Moyes’ side will need to find a fitting replacement for Rice who has been vitally important to the club since bursting onto the scene.
The Evening Standard have reported that the East London club are interested in two names to fill the spot vacated by Rice.
They are said to be looking at bringing in Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher in order to bolster their midfield.
West Ham had a £50million bid rejected for Phillips in January 2022 before he made the move to Manchester City, but with his playing time limited at the Etihad a move could be more likely this time round.
Gallagher has been of interest to multiple Premier League clubs after falling out of favour at Chelsea following his spectacular loan spell with Crystal Palace last season.
West Ham will have to fend off the likes of Liverpool who are also rumoured to be interested in signing the Chelsea midfielder this summer.
Reports suggest it is extremely likely Rice will depart the London Stadium this summer after 10 years with the club from youth level to becoming club captain.
Arsenal are leading the charge for his signature, but it won’t be easy to secure his services with Chelsea and Manchester United said to be interested too.
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This hasn’t stopped Gunners’ fans from being confident they will see Rice lining up at the Emirates next season after analysing his interactions with Bukayo Saka during the most recent England camp.
The 24-year-old midfielder still has to focus on West Ham for now as they battle to stay in the Premier League after a shocking campaign that sees them just three points off the drop.
