West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of a new director of football to work alongside recently appointed Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium.

As expected the club announced the arrival of Mario Husillos today, after the 59-year-old quit recently-relegated Malaga.

One of his first tasks will be setting about strengthening the Irons’ squad, particularly in light of Manuel Lanzini’s ACL injury that looks set to rule the Argentine out for some considerable time.

Husillos comes to England following a long association with Malaga over spells as a player, manager and director.

His record at the now Segunda Division club was mixed to say the least, however. He was credited with developing a strong crop of players, chief among them current Real Madrid star Isco, but, having rejoined the club from Olympiacos in 2017, was unable to prevent their relegation.

It is understood that Husillos was personally recommended to David Sullivan and David Gold by Pellegrini, with the pair remaining close having worked together at Malaga through the club’s most successful spell in their history.