FIVE attacking players West Ham can still ‘snap up’

With the 2014/15 season fast approaching, the Hammers faithful have been left with much to be desired following just two wins from eight pre-season games.

Once again we are left craving more goals. The additions of Argentine Mauro Zarate and World Cup wonder Enner Valencia has left much optimism amongst Irons fans. However, Andy Carroll has re-activated his season ticket for the Chadwell Heath physio room for another four months.

So with a total of two goals from the senior first team squad during pre-season, surely Big Sam and co. need to act fast to avoid a repeat of last year’s poor form in front of goal, in which the Hammers had the fewest shots on target per game throughout the entire Premier League…

So here are FIVE additions I believe could make a big difference…

Click on Andy Carroll to reveal

Elliot Lee (CF)

Elliot Lee could be the most effective newcomer, meaning a new forward signing is not integral. Short and quick, Elliot possesses all the key attributes for a goalscoring centre forward, and could play a pivotal role for the Hammers in front of goal this term.

With experienced stars already occupying the forward roles at Upton Park, now is the right time to bring through a young player of Elliot Lee’s capabilities. Working alongside the likes of Mauro Zarate, Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole, as well as one of England’s most successful strikers, Teddy Sheringham, this could be Elliot’s greatest opportunity on the big stage.

So, In my opinion, a new striker may not be needed after all. Lee has the ability and is comfortable around the first team, and will not need time to get to know his teammates like a new signing would. Instead he can jump straight into the first team spotlight.

Jonathan De Guzman (CAM)

The ex-Swansea City loanee is a proven Premier League midfielder and is known for his playmaking ability and productive role just in behind the forward men. De Guzman is also quick and, with players such as Zarate, Jarvis and Downing, this asset could propel many threatening counter attacks for the Hammers his season.

From his time at Swansea, he has proven his ability and his comfort with playing in the top-flight. Although De Guzman is not know for his free scoring notions, he is an excellent playmaker and can provide a forward with the support he needs.

With a market value of between £5m and £8m, I believe De Guzman would be a massive coup for the Hammers, especially taking into consideration Allardyce’s reluctance to play two up top.

However, they may have to move quickly to get him, with QPR reportedly confident of singing him before the weekend.

Francisco Portillo (CAM)

Another CAM that would fit nicely into Big Sam’s lone striker policy, is Malaga’s Francisco Portillo. The 24-year-old is highly rated in La Liga for his excellent play making abilities, iscapable of holding the ball up and threading through key passes.

Mauro Zarate was reportedly unhappy by being a lone striker durning the Schalke Cup and so this kind of support is vital for Mauro and other strikers alike to perform to the best of their abilities.

Furthermore he is great value for money, with a market value of between £2m and £5m. And, at the age of 24, Portillo is at the height of his playing career.

Connor Wickham (ST)

Connor Wickham is a tall, strong twenty-one year old striker with great aerial presence and good technical ability with both feet. Surely the ideal signing for Allardyce?

Wickham showed great form towards the end of last season under Gus Poyet’s Sunderland, showing his potential as a young English striker.

Many believe Wickham has having the potential to be as good as Alan Shearer or even our own Teddy Sheringham. So, with such a pedigree at just 21, Sunderland’s £7m asking price seems to be a more than profitable acquisition on both teams’ behalf.

Morgan Amalfitano (CAM)

Morgan Amalfitano is an attacking midfielder who poses a threat to defenders with the ability to score goals as well as create them.

Amalfitano impressed with his spell with West Bromwich Albion last season, proving he is more than capable of performing in the Premier League.

Reports suggest he’s already flown in for a medical with the club and we are edging closer to securing a deal for the Frenchman.

Final thoughts…

Away from signings, Sam Allardyce has been tasked with providing more attacking football, which is a change many Irons faithful cannot see happening so long as Kevin Nolan is in the team.

I disagree. Last season, England captain Steven Gerrard undertook a new holding role in midfield, opposed to his favoured attacking role. This is a change I believe needs to happen with Nolan. With younger, more freely attacking players in the squad already, this is a move that will both benefit the team and Kevin, allowing him to fulfil his role as captain more profitably.

Despite an insatiable thirst for new signings in and around West Ham United, however, I question the necessity of such a thirst. West Ham United is a club world renowned for our ability to produce good quality players, names need not be stated.

So with such a reputation, why do we not bring through the likes of Mathius Fanimo, Elliot Lee and Sebastian Lleget instead on wasting millions on talent we may well already have?

Only time will tell, and I feel this will be a season integral to our new up and coming stars.