West Ham are leading the race to sign Southampton right-back Cedric Soares, according to reports in England. Arsenal and Wolves are also said to be pursuing the Portuguese international.

The 28-year-old’s contract expires in the summer, and the Hammers are believed to be preparing a bid for the fullback when the transfer window reopens in January.

Soares is unhappy with his playing situation at the Saints. He was loaned out to Inter Milan for the second half of last season and has only made seven appearances under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl this campaign.

Manuel Pellegrini is seemingly unconvinced by Ryan Fredericks and the Hammers are likely to be looking for a replacement for Pablo Zabaleta who is leaving the London Stadium in the summer.

Whether the interest in Soares depends on Pellegrini’s future, it is not known. The Chilean is hanging onto his job by a thread after losing to Tottenham on Saturday.