West Ham will not be signing Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure this summer.
The 35-year-old, who is a free agent, had been linked with a move to the club even before Manuel Pellegrini, his former boss at City, was announced as West Ham’s new manager.
The close links between the pair shortened the odds on the move happening, but it is understood West Ham have no interest in signing Toure.
Pellegrini, who has said the club want to sign “four or five players” before the start of next season, is instead keen on attracting younger players with pace to the club.
West Ham retain a strong interest in Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks and midfielder Tom Cairney but the outcome may depend on whether Fulham win promotion against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The arrival of Pellegrini also means Javier Hernandez is likely to stay.
The striker’s opportunities were limited last season, as David Moyes employed just one striker most of the time.
Pellegrini has favoured a more attacking style with previous clubs and looks likely to offer Hernandez more chances.
One of the Chilean’s first appointments is expected to be Ruben Cousillas as assistant manager.
In Pictures | Manuel Pellegrini signs for West Ham United
Another priority is finalising the appointment of a head of recruitment, with co-owner David Sullivan having promised to take a step back from being in charge of player signings.
Favourite for the role is Eduardo Macia, who has been at Leicester since September 2016.
