Manuel Pellegrini is hoping to work with Manuel Lanzini for many years to come after the Argentina international confirmed he is keen to stay in east London.
As reported earlier this week, the two sides believe they have reached a breakthrough in negotiations over a vastly improved contract for the 26-year-old midfielder, whose current deal expires at the end of the campaign.
The club does hold a two-year option over Lanzini but there are concerns it might not be a legally binding one and that the player could have ended up taking the Hammers to court over potentially increased terms.
But it appears that the two parties have reached some sort of agreement to keep the matter out of the courtroom.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lanzini said: "Yes, we are talking with the club about staying and, of course, I want to stay.
"It is like my home. It is my fifth season now, I love the fans, the fans love me and the club is amazing."
Manager Pellegrini echoed those remarks at his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon ahead of the trip to Watford this weekend in the Premier League.
The Chilean added: "Yes, of course [want him to stay].
"Manu is a young player, involved and is committed to this club, he is happy here.
"I hope he will stay here for many more years."
Lanzini suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the summer of 2018 ahead of the World Cup at a pre-tournament training camp in Barcelona which forced him to miss seven months of the 2018/19 season.
He made his return off the bench in a 3-1 victory over Fulham at London Stadium but initially struggled to find his rhythm and form after such a long absence.
The Hammers held off negotiating a new contract for the midfielder until he had fully recovered and began to show the form he did in 2017 and seemingly now, the club is satisfied that Lanzini is approaching or is back at that level.
