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Italian side Atalanta are eyeing a January move for West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang, according to CalcioMercato.

What's the word?

After fighting back from a slow start to the season, Manuel Pellegrini has started to reap the rewards from his £100m spending spree but further changes are anticipated in future windows, although not all the deals will be incoming pieces of business.

CalcioMercato states that Serie A side Atalanta are eyeing a January swoop for West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang, whose first-team chances may be limited this season following the signings of Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez.

However, the 6ft 1in Obiang has featured four times in the Premier League and has been a useful asset for Pellegrini but Atalanta will hope to lure him back to Italian football, where he previously played for Sampdoria, with the offer of more regular opportunities.

Should they sell?

Obiang may not always be one of the first names on the teamsheet, or even in the matchday squad, but midfield is a position where Manuel Pellegrini cannot afford any further setbacks as his depth is already stretched.

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Injuries to summer signings Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez have left the Hammers' ranks in the middle of the pitch looking significantly depleted heading into a busy stage of the season, and Obiang will be more valuable than ever.

It is also worth noting that the Hammers have not lost any of the three Premier League matches where Obiang has started, with the Spaniard featuring in the victories over Everton and Manchester United either side of the goalless draw with Chelsea.