Not too long ago we were in dreamland. We were effortlessly disposing of the finest teams that the English Premier League has to offer.

We were almost unstoppable at full flow when we counter-attacked, with Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini exquisitely composing each move.

Fast forward to today and we have been struck with an injury crisis characteristic of traditional West Ham sides.

With all of our best attack-minded players injured (Payet, Lanzini, Sakho, Moses and the recovering Valencia) and Winston Reid also sidelined, squad bolstering might be needed in the January transfer window.

Our monetary resources are limited due to this summer’s overhaul but shifting a couple of fringe players might pave the way for some new faces.

Positions we need to prioritise are attacking midfielders, right backs and arguably strikers.

So here’s a look at five players Slaven Bilic should target in January…

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Solly March

England under-21 international Solly March has been causing quite a stir at Brighton this season.

His lively performances from the wing have contributed towards the Championship club’s table-topping, promotion-chasing, free-scoring exploits.

The 21-year-old started his career at non-league Lewes before moving to Brighton in 2011 and advancing through their academy.

March can also play on the wing and he would be a perfect young, hungry and exciting player that would thrive in our counter-attacking system under Slaven Bilic.

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Sam Byram

Right back is now identifiable as our weakest position.

Carl Jenkinson has been a shadow of his former self since re-joining on loan and has rightfully lost his place in the side.

James Tomkins is more than able defensively but is not too good at bombing down the wing as you would expect from your full backs.

The 22-year-old defender has played over 125 league games for Leeds at his young age and has shown plenty of promise.

With his contract due to expire this summer, Leeds are reportedly looking to cash in on him with West Ham being a mutually beneficial potential destination.

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Dominic Iorfa

Another right back option to consider is Dominic Iorfa of Wolves.

The England under-21 international is not a finished article by any stretch of the imagination but he has consistently figured for Championship side Wolves this season and is showing immense progress.

The 20-year-old is a real attacking threat and could be a long-term solution to the right back problem.

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Gokhan Tore

Turkey international Gokhan Tore was linked with a move to West Ham over the summer to reunite with Slaven Bilic, who was his manager at Besiktas.

Tore is only 23 years of age but has a wealth of experience already having played in Germany, Russia and now Turkey.

The winger, who can also operate as an attacking midfielder, is renowned for his dribbling ability and would be a welcome addition to our attacking midfield department, especially in light of recent injuries.
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Charlie Austin

It won’t happen, but it should. The QPR frontman is a proven goalscorer at every level and would be a welcome addition to the Hammers.

Unfortunately, David Sullivan has made comments in the past about the 26-year-old’s injury problems, which Austin took offence to.

Austin seems committed to QPR’s cause but the Championship club might be tempted to sell at the right place and a move would hinge entirely on the sale of Andy Carroll.

This would, however, be an interesting thought to consider but I cannot see it happening personally.

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