FIVE surprise players West Ham could ‘poach’ this summer

Following last weekend’s relegation of both Burnley and QPR, we thought it might be good to look at a few players from both clubs that West Ham could sign in the coming summer months, particularly with the possibility of European football on the horizon.

Despite the board expected to spend big again this summer, there’s nothing better than bagging a bargain in the transfer market.

We found that last summer with the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Diafra Sakho both coming in for peanuts, but making big and immediate impacts at the Boleyn Ground.

So here are FIVE players from Burnley and QPR that we should be looking at this summer…

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Kieran Trippier (Burnley)

If rumours are to be believed, Arsene Wenger has asked for £10million for Carl Jenkinson.

Now whilst I will be the first to admit how much of a revelation Jenkinson has been this season, £10m for a man with one full year of Premier League starts under his belt is just too much.

Is Kieran Trippier the alternative? Trippier, 24, has played in all 36 games for Burnley so far this season and is rumoured to have a £3.5m release clause in his contract, which is attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs, including Stoke City.

Ashley Barnes (Burnley)

Whilst Danny Ings might be the obvious attacking option from Burnley, his services are rumoured to be heading to Liverpool or Manchester United.

Therefore it might be more useful to look at another striker who has caused plenty of problems for teams up and down the country this season.

Barnes has scored five goals in 33 appearances this season and has generally been a menace in every game he has played, with his somewhat overly aggressive nature.

Could he take over as West Hams fourth choice striker when Carlton Cole leaves (as is expected) in the summer?

Tom Heaton (Burnley)

With Jussi Jaaskelainen seemingly close to finishing his career, perhaps a move for impressive Tom Heaton, 29, could be on the cards.

Similar to Trippier, Heaton has played in all 36 games this season and has picked up many plaudits, despite the number of goals leaked in the league this season.

An alternative to Heaton may be Alex McCarthy of QPR, aged just 25, and highly rated in English football.

Matt Phillips (QPR)

Phillips only began showing his potential towards the end of the season, but he has netted two goals and assisted seven for the Loftus Road club, and has been one of very few stand out performers in a very poor side.

It was not that long ago that Phillips and Tom Ince were tearing the Championship apart with Blackpool, not least in the play-off final against West Ham.

Could he be the answer to the problem called Matt Jarvis?

Steven Caulker

Steven Caulker has appeared 34 times for QPR this season, scoring one goal.

Despite only being 23, he already boasts 189 career appearances, including spells in the Premier League at Tottenham, Swansea and Cardiff.

After a season alongside Clint Hill and Rio Ferdinand, he will he have picked up the necessary experience and knowledge to become a suitable option at centre back for West Ham should Reid, Tomkins or Collins pick up an injury.