West Ham pushing to sign Man Utd midfielder

West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo has identified Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a potential target ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Hammers have had a dreadful start to the Premier League campaign and they are presently 19th in the standings with just four points from eight games.

Nuno recently replaced Graham Potter at the helm and he is expected to be backed with funds to bolster the midfield department at the turn of the year.

The Portuguese wants a midfielder who can comfortably operate as a number six or number eight, and Mainoo has been earmarked as the ideal choice.

Mainoo was desperate to leave United on loan during the last transfer window, but the hierarchy made it clear that they wanted him to stay.

His situation has since failed to improve. He has been a regular substitute with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes preferred in the centre of the park.

Mainoo is likely to make a fresh loan request in January. He is determined to play regularly to boost his World Cup prospects with England.