FIVE players to ‘follow’ Marcelo Bielsa to West Ham

Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa was one of the first names to be linked with the West Ham even when Sam Allardyce was still at the helm.

Bielsa has been keen on having a crack at managing in England and with the Hammers in the Europa league as well as the move to the Olympic Stadium fast approaching; the former Athletic Bilbao boss is tempted by the East Londoners.

So, if Bielsa was to be named West Ham gaffer, which five players should he bring with him? Here are some names to look out for…

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Andre Ayew

With Ghana international Ayew’s contract expiring soon there’s no doubt that plenty of clubs are after his signature.

The winger, who can also play as a striker, has stayed loyal to Marseille since 2007 but is now looking for pastures new with the likelihood being that he’ll end up in the Premier League.

With owners David Gold and David Sullivan looking for a marquee signing for next year’s stadium move and Europa League campaign, Ayew is very ideal and Bielsa is the man to spearhead that.

Nicolas N’Koulou

Cameroon centre back N’Koulou is also attracting lots of attention with his contract also due to expire.

Like Ayew, N’Koulou has also been a star man for Marseille for many years after singing from fellow French side AS Monaco in 2011. Many Hammers fans may remember that N’Koulou was the main man to replace Winston Reid if the New Zealander was to leave back in January.

Despite being a central defender, the 25 year old is not the tallest of centre back’s. At 5 foot 11 inches he would be one of the smallest in the Premier League.

However, what he lacks in height he makes up with power and strength and Bielsa is the man to get him on board.

Andre Pierre-Gignac

Another Marseille player who has been heavily linked to a move to Upton Park in the past is striker Andre Pierre Gignac.

Another whose contract is expiring, Gignac finished as the Ligue 1’s second highest scorer, behind Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, with 21 goals for the former France international’s name.

The former Toulouse forward could potentially make the same impact as Graziano Pelle did at Southampton, both having the same playing style and is ideal for West Ham. Will Bielsa bring Gignac with him if he takes the vacant job.

Mikel San Jose

Apart from being linked with half of the Marseille squad, Bielsa surely still keeps one eye on his former employers Athletic Bilbao.

With wing wizard Iker Muniain realistically out of the reach for West Ham to sign, maybe Bielsa should bring San Jose with him, if the Spanish coach is appointed the boss.

At natural centre half that can also operate in a defensive midfield position, San Jose was released by Liverpool 2011 and has never looked back since.

His impressive performances have seen him flirt with a call up to the Spanish national side.

Ander Iturraspe

A rather unknown figure to many, Iturraspe is one of the most underrated players in La Liga with Bielsa’s former club Athletic Bilbao.

The competitive midfielder, who has actually had a rather disappointing season, playing just 20 games, is however a ‘one of a kind player’ Bielsa could mull over bringing to East London.

Since coming through the youth ranks at Bilbao in 2008, Iturraspe has gone to make 159 appearances in the famous red and white stripes. Would he be a welcome addition at West Ham?