West Ham are interested in signing former Cardiff City midfielder Gary Medel, according to reports in Turkey.

The Chilean international currently plays for Besiktas and Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is keen to link up with his fellow countryman when the January transfer window opens.

Besiktas are reportedly prepared to sell Medel with West Ham representatives expected to meet with the Super Lig club’s officials in the coming days.

The 31-year-old, who is nicknamed “Pitbull” due to his combative qualities and diminutive stature, moved to Turkey in 2017 after three years at Inter Milan.

Medel can play either as holding midfielder or as a makeshift centre-back, but at just 5ft 7in tall, he’s unlikely to be used by Pellegrini in defence. Rather, it seems he would be brought in as cover for Carlos Sanchez who is sidelined with a knee injury.

The Colombian international has been out of action since September and could miss most of the season following surgery.