Transfer Wishlist: Depth the key for West Ham in this window

What areas do they need to strengthen?

While the Hammers started the season in barnstorming fashion, they seem to have gone off the boil of late, when their squad depth has really been tested.

The incoming transfer of Doneil Henry from Toronto is a start, but more squad players are necessary, as well as a top centre back if Winston Reid does indeed leave, be it in this window or in the summer.

Who have they been linked with? Aleksandar Dragovic, Vedran Corluka, Ishok Belfadil, Rafa Silva, Ahmed Musa, Jonjo Shelvey, Andre Pierre Gignac, Nicolas N’Koulou, Simon Kjaer, Efe Ambrose

January Wishlist Best Buys

Jonjo Shelvey – Swansea

All stemming from his links to the East End and a car, apparently Shelvey’s, parked up outside the Boleyn, the speculation that the Swansea man is set for a move back to the capital won’t go away.

Swans boss Garry Monk may see the midfielder as an integral member of his squad, but his scathing criticism of the player’s disciplinary record could speak volumes.

While the manager was well within his right to question Shelvey’s knack of picking up cards, any fall out could see a move away from the Liberty Stadium materialise.

@davidgold jonjo shelvey at upton park?? Wouldn’t mind him .. Attacking player and west ham lad. pic.twitter.com/qH4wbBVCqL

— David Richards WHUFC (@westhamdaveE16) January 4, 2015

Ahmed Musa – CSKA Moscow

According to reports from Russia, West Ham are set to do battle with London rivals Tottenham for Musa’s signature, and what a signing he could be.

While the player himself has stated he has heard nothing of any interest, a chance to ply his trade in the Premier League would be hard to turn down.

A fast, and tricky forward he could add extra zip to the Hammers frontline.

Nicolas N’Koulou – Marseille

A quality defender will be high on Sam Allardyce’s agenda either in January or in the summer, and that man could be Nicolas N’Koulou.

The Cameroonian international is currently enjoying a spell at the top of Ligue 1 with Marseille, but with the club suffering some financial issues, any decent bid could force them into action.

The Irons fans might be hoping loan star Alex Song can have a word in the ear of his compatriot.

We Recommend…

Stevan Jovetic – Manchester City

The apparently imminent exit of Winston Reid will leave the Hammers with a first-choice centre back slot to fill, but with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia all suffering injuries of sorts this season, a loan move for a striker could be a good idea.

It looked as if Jovetic would feature prominently for the Citizens this season, playing well in pre-season and featuring regularly in the opening weeks, but the transfer of Wilfried Bony to Eastlands could change that.

The Montenegrin can play either as an out-and-out striker, or in a wider berth and with five goals in nine Premier League starts this season, could be a welcome addition on loan.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Think West Ham can end their recent stutter? Back them to finish in the top six using your free £25 bet and pick up over £160!