Former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has backed the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini, insisting that the new man in charge can attract some star names to the London Stadium.

The Hammers brought in the Premier League title-winning boss on a three-year deal earlier this week, reportedly making him one of the highest-paid managers in the division.

Pellegrini instantly targeted "four or five" new players, and reports suggest that he will be substantially backed by the Hammers' hierarchy this summer.

Cole, who spent close to a decade playing for West Ham, hopes that the new arrival sparks the start of an exciting chapter for the East London outfit.

"He is going to be attracting a few top players that he wants to fit into the team now," Cole told Sky Sports News. "He may let a few go and let a few in. His money is going to be spent wisely.

"It's hard to [pick specific positions]. I think he needs to galvanise the team he has already got and then add a few players who can bring different angles to the team. Help approach the style of play he wants.

"You have to look at his history - he likes to play the ball on the floor. He's gonna get some ball players in, maybe a defender, midfielder and striker."

Pellegrini is rumoured to be on £7m a year at the London Stadium, which is a big drop on the £16m he was earning at former club Hebei China Fortune.