West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Pedro Obiang is close to leaving the club.

Serie A side Sassuolo are reportedly close to completing a £7.2m deal for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Pellgrini said: "Probably Pedro will return to Italy. I spoke with him last season.

"I told him that we need him in the squad and I cannot allow him to go to Italy but if things go well last season he will have the doors open as like every player. [If West Ham get a] good offer and the player wants to go - not a problem, we will replace him."