West Ham United could have Jesse Lingard, James Ward-Prowse and Emmanuel Dennis in their team next season
The summer transfer window may not be officially open yet, but clubs have already begun making waves with their business and that includes West Ham.
Reports are circulating that David Moyes has already started putting out feelers over potential transfer business ahead of the new season, where the Hammers will be keen to boost themselves further up the table and into the latter stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
But that means the squad will need significant investment this summer. And what would it look like if Moyes managed to get his targets in ahead of the opening game of the season?
The goalkeeper situation is currently unlikely to change too much. Lukasz Fabianski penned a new one-year deal with the club and should continue as the number one, but whether his understudy is Alphonse Areola or Nick Pope [Claret & Hugh] is up in the air.
In defence, there aren’t likely to be too many changes either. Vladimir Coufal looked like a breath of fresh air after undergoing surgery on a hernia problem and should retain his status as the first-choice right-back.
Aaron Cresswell will be keen to put his Europa League semi-final disappointment behind him on the left, with Ben Johnson pushing him for a starting spot.
In the middle Kurt Zouma will remain the starting man so long as he avoids jail for abusing his cat, but he could have a new partner as the club close in on the signing of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd [ExWHUemployee]. He is said to fit all the requirements that Moyes has and could come into the side to replace Craig Dawson as the starter.
In midfield Declan Rice will almost certainly stay at the club despite plenty of interest, but after two seasons alongside Tomas Soucek it seems as though that partnership could be broken up.
The Czech international could leave the club [Claret & Hugh] with Moyes unhappy with his performances last season, and reports suggest the boss wants to replace him with Premier League Player of the Year nominee James Ward-Prowse [ExWHUemployee].
That would see the two England midfielders pair up together and provide a great base of work ethic, quality on the ball and defensive structure to the side.
Further up the pitch Jarred Bowen and Michail Antonio are likely to have their positions cemented after their performances this season for the most part, but the players alongside them are likely to be refreshed.
Said Benrahma, Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals all had very patchy seasons and that leaves room for improvement, so Moyes could look to bring back Jesse Lingard on a free transfer from Manchester United.
After scoring nine goals in 16 games during a loan spell two seasons ago, interest has remained ever since and now that he is available for free the club will make a big play to bring him back [Sky Sports] for that number ten role.
There is also said to be major interest in Watford ace Emmanuel Dennis [Express] after the Hornets were relegated, and the Nigerian could come in to play on the left or through the middle to provide greater depth and competition.
In other West Ham news, West Ham interested in signing Watford duo, already held talks with agent – report
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