PELLEGRINI FLIES BACK

MANUEL PELLEGRINI is confident of sealing a return to the Premier League with West Ham.

Former Manchester City boss Pellegrini, who won the Premier League and two League Cups at the Etihad, is on the verge of agreeing a deal to become David Moyes’ successor at the London Stadium.

But because the Hammers retain an interest in long-term target Rafa Benitez at Newcastle, terms with Pellegrini have yet to be finalised.

Chilean boss Pellegrini, 64, is currently in charge of Hebei China Fortune, where he earns around £10million a year.

He will take charge of his side’s game against Chongqing today and is due to travel to London to hold face-to-face talks with West Ham tomorrow.