Surprise swoop for Kelly should force Masuaku closer to the West Ham exit door

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West Ham are in talks with Bristol Rovers over their highly-rated left-back Michael Kelly, according to Football Insider.

They report that Manuel Pellegrini has set his sights on the 21-year-old defender, who has impressed this season and is currently in the final six months of his contract.

The Hammers apparently face competition from their bitter rivals Millwall, as well as fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace, who are both ready to table a six-figure bid to test Rovers’ resolve.

Kelly has made 20 appearances across all competitions this season for a Gas side who are struggling to maintain their League One status, sitting just one point and one place above the relegation zone.

And if Kelly does opt for a move to east London, Pellegrini would have three left-backs on his books, with Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku already at the club.

Masuaku played in the early part of the season, but was caught out defensively on more than one occasion – most notably in the 1-0 defeat against Brighton in October and is not fit for purpose as a defender for a side with West Ham’s renewed ambitions.

Kelly should leapfrog him as second choice left back if he joins; which means he would need to battle for a place on the left wing or face leaving the London Stadium, which would be a relief to supporters who have become frustrated with his defensive lapses.