OPINION
West Ham fans are waiting with bated breath as club bosses prepare to appoint a new manager at the London Stadium, and whoever is handed the role must get to work straight away.
The summer transfer window is now open and the race is on for Premier League clubs to bring in the reinforcements they require to bolster their squads for the upcoming 2018/19 season.
The Hammers are also set to begin with a slight handicap as the departure of former boss David Moyes means their previous pursuits may have been in vain as the new boss sets his own transfer targets.
That looks to be true in the case of Fulham flyer Ryan Fredericks, who was a target for the Scot before his unceremonious departure from the London Stadium.
As reported by the Express, West Ham may end up missing out on the 25-year-old to Crystal Palace, with Roy Hodgson having been to watch the right-back recently.
The newspaper suggest that Moyes departure means the Irons’ hunt is in danger of collapse, but whoever is the new boss must reignite the club’s pursuit for the former Tottenham man.
The jet-heeled 25-year-old has been in brilliant form for the Cottagers all season, with his lightning pace seeing him rip apart defences left, right and centre in the Championship.
Fredericks’ attacking threat has seen him register an impressive nine assists for the Whites this term, and he looks ready for the step back up to Premier League level.
The Hammers have in many ways struggled on the right side of defence this season despite the almost ever-presence of Pablo Zabaleta.
The veteran Argentine offers them defensive solidity there, but his lack of pace means the Hammers have been too reliant on Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku for attacking support from the back.
Fredericks would give them another dimension going forward, with his trademark pace also allowing him to get back for defensive work like a flash, very much in the mould of Manchester City wing-back Kyle Walker.
The fact that he is available for free makes this one a no-brainer for the Hammers, and whoever is appointed in the coming days must set to work immediately in reigniting their pursuit.
