West Ham United have ‘been looking’ for midfielder reinforcements ‘for quite a while’, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers enjoyed another outstanding campaign under manager David Moyes last term and have already brought in Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal and Nayef Aguerd to strengthen his side.

What is the latest news involving West Ham?

It’s well documented that signing a striker is high up on Moyes’ list of priorities with Michail Antonio the only recognised number nine in his first-team squad.

However, bringing in a central midfielder or two won’t be far behind. Club legend Mark Noble has retired while loanee Alex Kral has returned to parent club Spartak Moscow following an underwhelming 12 months.

That leaves just Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice as West Ham’s only engine room options but there are lingering doubts over the duo’s immediate futures.

The Guardian revealed back in May that negotiations with Soucek over a new contract had reached an impasse. The Czech Republic international has two years remaining on his existing deal and talks stalled over a pay rise.

Meanwhile, Rice is known to be on the radar of several top clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea and has openly expressed his desire to play in the Champions League.

What has Brown said about West Ham?

Brown believes that West Ham ‘definitely need to add’ some extra bodies in the middle of the park, even if they’re brought in ‘just for cover’.

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In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “They've been looking in midfield for quite a while.

“Rice and Soucek had that area the pitch sewn up really for a long time, but West Ham don't have a lot beyond them with Mark Noble retiring and Kral not really working out. So, they definitely need to add in that area, even just for cover.”

Who could West Ham sign?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed last month that West Ham ‘are tracking’ Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, who racked up 19 goal contributions in 42 appearances throughout 2021/22.

And Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has reported that the east London outfit have seen a €23 million (£19.6m) bid rejected by LOSC Lille for Amadou Onana.

The 20-year-old only started 11 Ligue 1 games last season yet showed glimpses of his top-class potential and could be viewed as the ideal candidate to provide cover and competition for Soucek and Rice.