David Moyes has played down reports that West Ham are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley on loan.
According to The Mirror, the Hammers manager is keen on a reunion with the England midfielder, after monitoring his progress through Everton's youth teams.
Moyes reportedly plans to strengthen his central midfield options, in light of Jack Wilshere's injuries and Carlos Sanchez's inconsistent form.
And the report claims West Ham are pursuing a loan deal for Barkley in the hope that the offer of regular first team football could be of benefit to both the player and the England team, ahead of the European Championships this summer.
The 26-year-old has dropped down in the Chelsea midfield pecking order, with Frank Lampard often preferring a combination of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante in central areas.
But ahead of West Ham's Premier League clash against Barkley's former side Everton, Moyes was asked about the links to the midfielder.
"One thing I won’t do is not talk about players at other clubs," he said.
"Anything which we think will improve our side I will be interested to bring in."
He added: "It’s not easy to get British players. Maybe easier to get a Premier League player or from abroad but still trying to get the right ones in is important.
"We are working on two or three things at the moment but we are not close to anything."
