West Ham boss David Moyes wants to land an English midfielder this summer.
Moyes has listed Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips and set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse, of Southampton, as targets.
West Ham saw a club record £50million bid for Leeds United's Phillips rejected in the January window, but the midfielder could be available at a cut price should the Elland Road club drop to the Championship, says The Sun.
Moyes is also a big fan of Saints captain Ward-Prowse, 27, who is enjoying his best season in front of goal for the South Coast club.
Hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the best free-kick taker in the world, Ward-Prowse has scored four this season - taking his all time Premier League tally to 14, four short of the record set by his hero David Beckham.
Ward-Prowse also makes Ralph Hasenhuttl's side deadly from corners and wide free-kicks, with only Man City and Liverpool having scored more goals from set pieces this season.