West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has held face-to-face talks with former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, claims The Daily Mail.
Wilshere is a free agent after his Arsenal contract expired at the start of the month and already has an offer on the table from Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
The 26-year-old, who has spent the last 17 years at Arsenal, has been heavily linked with a move abroad in the last 12 months but West Ham want to ensure he stays in the Premier League.
Wilshere proved his fitness towards the backend of last season but was enable to force his way into England’s squad for the 2018 World Cup before being told he has no future at Arsenal by new boss Unai Emery.
West Ham want to boost their midfield options this summer and believe Wilshere can carry out Manuel Lanzini’s role in midfield.
The Argentina international suffered a serious knee injury on the eve of the World Cup and won’t be fit again until next year, emphasising the need for West Ham to act in the transfer market.
West Ham will not be able to match the terms in Fenerbahce’s offer but hope the appeal of staying in London will work in their favour.
Arsenal had a better win ratio in the Premier League last season when Wilshere did not start (53.8%), compared to when he did feature from the off (41.7%).
