West Ham close in on another former Manchester City midfielder

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini is eyeing a move to reunite with a second former Manchester City midfielder this month, claims The Sun.

The Hammers have already signed former City creator Samir Nasri and Pellegrini now has his sights set on Real Betis midfielder Javi Garcia.

Pellegrini worked with Garcia during his time at City but the former Spain international failed to make any real impression at the club.

The 31-year-old only spent two years at City before being sold to Zenit and now he is warming the bench for Spanish side Betis.

Pellegrini passed on the chance to reunite with Yaya Toure at the London Stadium this month after claiming he was already well-stocked in midfield but that appears to have changed.

Pedro Obiang has been linked with a move away from West Ham this month and Pellegrini has seemingly identified Garcia as his replacement.

However, Garcia is reportedly only keen on returning to the Premier League if he can secure a permanent transfer, while West Ham would prefer a loan deal.

After making 32 league appearances for Betis last season, Garcia has dropped completely out of the picture this term and has only featured six times in La Liga.

William Carvalho has replaced Garcia in the team, though the Spaniard has been given chances in the Europa League.

In fact, of players that have started a Europa League game this season, Garcia has the best pass success rate (95%).