Sources: West Ham top priority signing revealed amid new Declan Rice update
West Ham have made it a top priority to sign a new central midfielder this summer, Football Insider understands.
Manager David Moyes is keen to strengthen in the centre of the pitch despite his plans to keep hold of star man Declan Rice.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that Moyes wants competition and cover for Rice and his regular midfield partner Tomas Soucek.
Mark Noble retires at the end of the season and, as revealed by this site earlier on Thursday, the Londoners are not planning to convert Alex Kral’s loan into a permanent move.
The profile West Ham are looking for is a proven midfielder of international calibre who is entering his peak years and around the 22-26 age mark.
One target is Kalvin Phillips although there will be extensive competition for the Leeds United man.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (21 March) the Irons preparing a £50million-plus bid and lucrative contract for the 26-year-old.
A Leeds source told this site back in February the club are expecting several big-money bids for the homegrown star.
West Ham's interest in a new top-class midfielder comes amid long-term speculation over Rice's future in east London.
However, Moyes is determined to keep the England international this summer.
He wants to build around the 23-year-old, rather than replace him, ahead of next season.
Moyes did sign Czech Republic international Kral on loan last summer to bolster his midfield options.
However, the 23-year-old has struggled for game time and the Irons will not pursue a permanent move.