3 players who may join Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham this summer

On the 22nd of May 2018, West Ham officially presented Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager. The Chilean has coached the likes of Villarreal, Real Madrid and most notably, Manchester City and given his wealth of experience, this represents one of the best appointments that the Hammers could have made given their circumstances.

The east Londoners suffered a forgettable campaign to say the least, which saw Slaven Bilic sacked in November last year. David Moyes took over with the club in a precarious situation facing a tough relegation battle, though managed to guide them to a 13th-placed finish, which is impressive given just how much they were struggling for consistency upon his arrival.

With Pellegrini, they will be targeting a chance to challenge for European action - in the same way that Burnley surprised many by qualifying for next season's UEFA Europa League.

Before this though, Pellegrini needs to make a handful of improvements to the squad by adding new acquisitions. With that in mind, here are three early summer targets that West Ham should be looking at signing.

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#3 Yaya Touré (Free agent)

Toure during his emotional send-off following the Ivorian's final home game for Manchester City

According to a report in The Sun, Pellegrini could sign Yaya Toure this summer - given the duo's close relationship from previous seasons.

At the age of 35, Toure now finds himself a free agent after his illustrious spell with Premier League champions Manchester City came to an end following the conclusion of their title-winning season earlier this month.

The central midfielder has reportedly been on West Ham's radar for some time previously, but the London club were said to have been put off by his high wage demands. Despite this though, the arrival of Pellegrini could effectively persuade Yaya to join him in east London and also for less weekly wages too.

The Chilean manager aims to strengthen West Ham's attacking options and Touré could slot straight into Pellegrini's plans going forward. The Ivory Coast international excels when it comes to retaining possession with his fantastic passing range.

Despite this though, he only made 10 appearances this past season - most of which were substitute cameos. He, at 35, is still a physically strong specimen and will continue to hold a high reputation for being one of Europe's most dominant, whilst believing he has a point to prove towards those who suggest his best days have come and gone at the highest level.

If the Hammers manage to sign him, he would represent a shrewd addition to their midfield.

#2 Salomon Rondon (West Brom)

Rondon's side were relegated at the end of the league campaign

Rondon is another player who has reportedly attracted Pellegrini's interest. The new manager is keen to sign the striker following West Brom's relegation to the Championship this term. However, they are not the only interested club who are lurking - as both Watford and Cardiff City are said to be monitoring his situation at present too.

Due to a relegation release clause in his existing deal, Rondon is available to sign for just £16million and it would not come as a surprise if the forward were to outline his desire to remain in England's top tier ahead of the new campaign.

This fee is an easily affordable one for Premier League clubs to part ways with and despite not scoring as frequently as he would have liked on a personal note, Rondon still managed to net 10 goals in 40 appearances - more than any West Ham player, barring Marko Arnautovic (11 in 35).

The 28-year-old can serve as a threatening presence from set-pieces and is also able to hold play up well, linking other teammates into attacks and creating chances this way. With this in mind, Rondon represents an affordable option who the Hammers should consider signing.

#1 Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Foden (right) has understandably found difficulty breaking into Guardiola's team

Manchester City certainly would be unwilling to let go of one of their youngsters, but joining a Premier League rival on a season-long loan deal appears possible. According to reports from HITC and the Mirror, the Hammers are tempted to make an approach to sign Foden for twelve months - a talented youngster who has understandably struggled for regular Premier League minutes in a star-studded squad.

Heading to West Ham could increase his chances of playing more regularly despite not being a guaranteed starter and if he excels, there's no reason why he cannot build a reputation for himself amongst senior professionals - as opposed to the younger crop of players that he has already surpassed at his age-group.

Additionally, it's entirely possible that Pellegrini would have known of the teenager from coaching staff during his tenure at City, since Foden signed his first contract at the club's academy while he was still in primary school in 2009.

At the tender age of 17, it will be great for the English international to earn minutes and play under a reputable manager. By doing so, he can further develop his playing style whilst working on his weaknesses along the way and helping West Ham to achieve their goals in the process.