West Ham United have attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard above Udinese winger Gerard Deulofeu in their ‘pecking order’ of transfer targets, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers are expected to be active when the market reopens for business over the summer as manager David Moyes looks to bolster his first-team squad.

What is the latest news involving West Ham?

According to Italian news outlet Messaggero Veneto, West Ham are one of several sides from across the continent who are keeping close tabs on Deulofeu’s situation.

It’s claimed that Marseille, Sevilla and Real Betis are also interested in prising the four-cap Spain international away from the Dacia Arena, with the Udinese hierarchy set to demand €20 million (£16.6m) for his services.

However, Deulofeu is not the only forward-thinking star who is believed to be on the radar of the London Stadium outfit.

Manchester United’s Lingard enjoyed an extremely successful six-month spell with West Ham last term, registering nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League appearances, firing them to a sixth-placed finish.

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A permanent move failed to materialise last summer, though, and the Red Devils turned down the Irons’ approach in January as they were viewed as a direct rival in the race for a top-four finish.

Yet Lingard is set to become a free agent when his contract expires in just a few months’ time, meaning Moyes could finally snap up the Englishman without having to pay a penny.

What has Brown said about Lingard?

Brown believes that as Deulofeu and Lingard play a ‘very similar kind of role’, the United ace will be the priority target for West Ham.

He told GiveMeSport: “It's a very similar kind of role to the one that Lingard played, and I think Lingard is above him in the pecking order of signings they'd want.

“So, I think he's probably someone they considered but isn't high on their hit list at the moment.”

Would Deulofeu be a good signing?

Deulofeu has racked up 44 goal contributions in his 127 Premier League appearances for previous sides Everton and Watford, and the 28-year-old is now at the peak of his powers.

In his 26 Serie A outings this term, the diminutive dynamo has registered 10 goals and two assists, firing the Bianconeri well clear of the relegation zone.

Therefore, Deulofeu could prove to be an astute acquisition by West Ham, but it remains to be seen who Moyes opts for, with Lingard set to be available on a free transfer.