West Ham are lining up moves for a new defensive midfielder, it has been reported by ExWHUEmployee.

Our Hammers are currently in the process of negotiating the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, with focus shifting to who we will look to bring in as a replacement for that position.

The sale of Rice, should it be completed successfully, will fetch in a British transfer fee of £105m which will aid West Ham to strengthen the squad ahead of the new upcoming season.

David Moyes, now working alongside newly appointed Sporting Director Tim Steidten, is in the market for a defensive style midfielder that would be able to operate alongside Lucas Paqueta.

West Ham are now set make moves in the market, with 3 players in particular likely to be approached formally.

Ex has revealed previously that the club were keen on Edson Alvarez of Ajax, however Borussia Dortmund were the likely destination for the Mexican international.

It has been reported that a deal could not be reached and now West Ham are set to reignite interest.

The club are also set to enquire on Joao Palhinha of Fulham, and Denis Zakaria of Juventus.

“Another position we will look to fill is a defensive midfielder replacement for Rice,” reported Ex on Patreon.

“The leading candidates expected to be: Edson Alvarez, Joao Palhinha and Denis Zakaria. All will be subjected to offers and preliminary negotiations.”

Ex will be keeping fans fully up to date on the progress of the moves and all other club matters on The West Ham Way Patreon.