Chicharito dreaming of top-four finish after seeing off West Ham exit talk

The Mexican striker is setting lofty targets for the Hammers in 2018-19, with Champions League qualification the ultimate target for all concerned

Javier Hernandez is daring to dream of a top-four finish with West Ham after seeing off speculation regarding his future.

The international striker first sparked exit talk in January and has seen the transfer rumours roll over into the summer window.

A positive World Cup, which saw him reach 50 goals for his country, fuelled speculation that the former star could be on the move.

Chicharito has, however, opted to stay put and is now targeting football with the Hammers.

He told the club’s official website on the back of sizeable investment under new boss Manuel Pellegrini: “The club is doing well with improvements in all the areas, in the team, but also in all the staff they have brought in with the manager.

“Top six, top four is the aim, as high as we can. I’m a dreamer.

“I work hard and my thoughts are always positive. I am always aiming as high as I can and if we can put West Ham in the Champions League why not? That’s the dream, that’s the idea and hopefully we can get it.”

Hernandez managed just eight goals for West Ham last season, as the club battled to steer a course to Premier League safety under Slaven Bilic and David Moyes.

He is hoping for better in 2018-19, with Pellegrini having convinced him to remain at the London Stadium with the promise of more opportunities.

Chicharito added: “The manager called me before the World Cup because he knew my situation was difficult at the end of last season, and he made me feel very good.

“He told me I was going to be an important player and would play an important role in this team, so he gave me a lot of confidence.

“I’m very motivated and I know I need to work hard to win a place in the starting line-up and then perform as well as I can to help the team with goals, assists and good performances to get the points to move up the table.”

West Ham are set to open their campaign away at title hopefuls Liverpool on Sunday.