Manuel Pellegrini may be forced into the transfer market for a new central midfielder in January.

The Hammers have been plagued by injuries this season with Andriy Yarmolenko the latest player to face a spell on the sidelines. Manuel Lanzini is expected to miss the majority of the season while Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez are also missing. Pellegrini has been left short of options in the centre of midfield with Declan Rice’s future at the club still uncertain. The Chilean would be wise to bolster his options in the engine room when the transfer window reopens in January.

One man who should be on his shortlist is Lille lynchpin – Thiago Mendes.

Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, the Brazilian moved to Ligue 1 last summer from Sao Paulo and became a key player upon arrival. Mendes helped his side’s cause with three goals and four assists from defensive midfield in his 31 Ligue 1 appearances. The 26-year-old’s impressive form has continued into the new campaign which should prompt West Ham into bringing him to the Premier League.

Mendes is an excellent defender and would provide some much-needed protection to the Hammers back four. The Brazilian has averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in France, highlighting the steel he would add in the engine room. Mendes also loves to dictate the tempo of the game from defensive midfield and has averaged 1.5 key passes per game (WhoScored).

The midfielder is now approaching the prime of his career and is perfectly suited to life in the Premier League. It won’t be long before one of Europe’s biggest clubs come calling if his impressive performances continue so West Ham must move quickly to snap him up.

West Ham fans, thoughts?