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FIVE signings West Ham should make

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Steven CaulkerAlthough Sam Allardyce will hopefully tell his players otherwise, it is clear for all to see that the Hammers’ Premier League status is more or less sealed for another season. Following an impressive 12 points from 12 in February and victories against Hull City and Sunderland since then, the Hammers have managed to drag themselves from a desperate 19th to 11th in the Premier League table, seven points above the drop zone with four games to play.

As the season draws to a close, the club will switch its attention to the summer transfer window and areas of the squad that could do with strengthening. I have decided to delve into the squads of this year’s strugglers who could realistically still be relegated, and pick out some of the individuals I feel West Ham would benefit from attempting to snap up on the cheap should their current side go down:

1) Adam Johnson – Sunderland

A standout star in what has been a pretty miserable season for the Black Cats. Signed by Martin O’Neill back in 2012, Johnson has been in and out of Paolo Di Canio and Gus Poyet’s sides all season, struggling for the consistency needed to nail down a regular starters place.

On his day, however, he is exceptional, as he showed with his hat-trick against fellow strugglers Fulham back in January and his quality would certainly not go amiss in our squad.

Johnson caused us massive problems coming off the bench a few weeks ago, grabbing himself a goal when our sides met, and I for one was shocked he didn’t start the game. Johnson is undoubtedly a Premier League player, and I assume he would want to stay in English football’s top tier wherever Sunderland end up and could be available at a knockdown price as he may look to force through a move away from the Stadium of Light.

2) Emanuele Giaccherini – Sunderland

Another of the Black Cats’ more influential players, Emanuele Giaccherini would be a welcome addition to the Hammers’ squad.

Having only signed for Sunderland in 2013, the Italian, like Johnson has failed to establish a first team place particularly under the management of Gus Poyet, having made just one appearance since New Year’s day and just sixteen appearances all season.

Giaccherini has already been liked with West Ham, and Poyet has been coy on the Italian international’s future insisting that: “it’s too early to be talking about that”.

In the games that the midfielder has featured in, however, his technical ability has been clear for all to see and an attacking midfielder with his ability is someone we have been crying out for all season in Ravel Morrison’s absence, whose future is clear unclear.

Similarly to Johnson, I doubt the Italian would want to be playing Championship football next season, but I fear we would have to fend off numerous clubs’ attempts to secure his signature.

3) Robert Snodgrass – Norwich City

A player that Hammers fans will be all too familiar with, Norwich’s versatile midfielder has caused us continuous problems over the years.

Having been a fan of him since his time at former club Leeds Unite, I’m always worried when he features against us as he always seems to notch a goal of his own or muster up an assist for a team-mate – his free kick this season and two assists in our most recent promotion season spring to mind.

The Scotsman has been linked with us in the past, and I would certainly not rule out a move to the Boleyn for Snodgrass in the summer if Norwich were to be relegated.

Robert’s all round style an ability is something that West Ham would benefit from hugely, whilst his set piece delivery is exceptional an could certainly be taken advantage of.

4) Matej Vydra – West Bromwich Albion

Having been a huge fan of the Czech during his loan spell at Watford, Vydra has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and life at West Brom, scoring just three goals in eighteen appearances this campaign.

Nevertheless, I still believe a forward such as Vydra would compliment Andy Carroll perfectly – a smaller player with the ability to poach off of his knockdowns and make runs in behind defences. Despite his poor form this season I would not be at all displeased if we were to pick up Vydra next season, preferably on a loan deal with the view to a permanent deal once he has returned to parent club Udinese.

5) Steven Caulker – Cardiff City

Having signed for the Bluebirds for £8million last summer, a lot of Spurs fans were disappointed to have seen Caulker, a young centre half with such potential, leave the club at such an early stage in his career.

At just 22-years-old, Caulker undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him having been capped at U19 and U21 level, as well as featuring once for England’s senior team. Your typical centre back, Caulker’s all round defensive ability is exceptional and I have no doubt that he will grow into one of the country’s most sought after defenders in years to come.

Not only that, but Caulker has also managed to notch five goals himself this season, and would certainly be a threat when attacking set pieces for the Hammers. Caulker’s price tag however may prove to be a stumbling block, as I doubt Cardiff would be willing to part with the Englishman for any less than the £8million they paid out for him less than a year ago.

The relegation places are still undecided and we will have to wait and see which of these players become available at a cut price in the summer.

Which of these players would you like us to snap up for next season, or who would you prefer to see at the Boleyn Ground from the struggling sides ahead of these?

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5 comments

  • Jamie says:

    I hate Robert Snodgrass just the look of him annoys the heart and soul out of me.

  • Tyler Lingwood says:

    Got to be looking at Nathan Redmond if Norwich were to go down which is looking pretty certain

  • matt says:

    DARREN BENT, ADAM JOHNSON, STEVE CAULKER AND BRING SCOTT PARKER BACK STILL HAS 2 SEASONS IN HIM AND PLAY POTTS.(BIG SAM TO PLAY 2 UP FRONT WE WOULD BE SORTED)
    WE CAN DREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Gary says:

    Jesus if we signed that lot we will defo get relegated , all from struggling teams and poor form ,

  • matt says:

    Darren bent will score goals if played right if carroll and bent was up front goals will be going in adam Johnson not getting games but would get the balls in the box that we need and score goals parker strong and don’t give up and POTTS young
    and talented so wipe shit out of your eyes

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