Right-backs, strikers… One player per Championship club West Ham should sign this summer

West Ham are stuck in a bit of an underwhelming position as we approach the closing stages of the season.

It looks unlikely that we will get relegated – barring an absolute disaster – and we are not in a position to be fighting for a European spot. We are also out of all cup competitions and Slaven Bilic’s mind will surely already be thinking ahead to this summer.

Last summer’s transfer business was disappointing and it has held us back from progressing this season. However, we still have the core makings of a good squad and with the right purchases during the summer break, we can expect to be competing for a European spot again next season.

One market in which we have previously had success is the Championship. If players are performing well in the lower leagues and standing out, the likelihood is that they will be able to cut it in the top flight too.

Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell have been two of our best players over the past couple of seasons and they both came from England’s second tier. Sometimes it is advisable to look for domestic talent rather than importing foreign players who are unproven quantities in the Premier League.

Here, I look at one player that West Ham could target from each Championship club in the summer window…

CLICK HERE THE CHAMPO PLAYERS WE SHOULD TARGET

Aston Villa: Jonathan Kodjia

In the summer, West Ham will yet again search for a striker to answer our goal-scoring woes and the answer could be signing Jonathan Kodjia from Aston Villa.

The Ivory Coast international scored 20 times in the league for Bristol City last season and he has followed that up with 15 so far for the Villains.

This is consistently prolific at Championship level and he might be able to make the step up.

Barnsley: Ryan Kent

Liverpool youngster Ryan Kent is currently impressing on loan at Barnsley after a successful loan spell at League One Coventry City the year before.

The next step in his progress will be to prove himself in the Premier League and we could explore the possibility of bringing the pacey, skilful winger in on loan.

Birmingham City: Cheick Keita

If we decide to sell Arthur Masuaku in the summer, then perhaps we could get Cheick Keita in from Birmingham as our new left back.

The 20-year-old has played seven times since arriving in January and has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite after some impressive displays.

Blackburn Rovers: Connor Mahoney

Blackburn are struggling this season and could get relegated to League One but they need to hand more opportunities to Connor Mahoney.

The young Irishman showed his quality when he ran rings around the Manchester United defence in the FA Cup and he could be an astute signing for the future by us.

Brentford: Jota

For some reason, Brentford had Jota out on loan for the first half of the season but he has been their best player since his return in January.

The 25-year-old can play all across the attacking midfield line and his pace causes Championship defenders all sorts of problems, helping him score seven and assist four in nine starts this season.

Brighton: Anthony Knockaert

Anthony Knockaert is arguably the most talented player in the Championship.

With skill, vision and trickery, he has contributed directly to 20 goals (13 goals and seven assists) from the wing.

As we continue to look for our Payet replacement, this Frenchman could be the answer to our problems.

Bristol City: Tammy Abraham

He may only be at the club on loan but there is no doubting who Bristol City’s best player is.

The Chelsea forward probably won’t make the cut at Stamford Bridge next season but we could benefit from having the prolific teenager, who has netted 18 league goals this season.

Burton Albion: Jackson Irvine

Burton’s standout performer by a country mile this season has been Australian international Jackson Irvine.

The box-to-box central midfielder has nine goals from the middle of the park but also does the hard work and possesses ball-winning qualities.

Cardiff City: Joe Ralls

Cardiff have few individual stars in their squad but Joe Ralls could certainly be a Premier League player.

The combative central midfielder is vastly experienced despite being just 23 and he might earn his move back to the top flight.

Derby County: Will Hughes

It is sometimes hard to forget that Will Hughes is just 21-years-old because he has over 150 senior appearances for Derby under his belt.

The left-footed central midfielder is technically brilliant and would be an asset for any Premier League team.

Fulham: Tom Cairney

Tom Cairney is one of the main reasons why Fulham are doing so well this season.

The left-footed magician keeps things ticking over in midfield with tidy displays and he has an eye for goal too.

Huddersfield Town: Philip Billing

Supremely talented Danish youngster Philip Billing has a bright future ahead of him.

The towering central midfielder is a well-rounded player, who can contribute defensively and going forward.

Ipswich Town: Tom Lawrence

Tom Lawrence is on loan from Leicester but doesn’t appear to have a future with the Premier League champions.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is extremely skilful and has scored many goals for Ipswich this season, most from long range.

Leeds United: Charlie Taylor

If Leeds don’t go up this season, Charlie Taylor will probably leave the club.

The attack-minded left back is out of contract and we would only owe Leeds a compensation fee if we snapped up the 23-year-old in the summer.

Newcastle United: Jamaal Lascelles

If Newcastle don’t go up this season with the squad they have at their disposal, then that’s a travesty.

But certain players won’t fancy another season in the second tier and we could look to poach centre half Jamaal Lascelles: young, dominant, and a leader at the back who shows maturity beyond his years.

Norwich City: Jacob Murphy

Norwich look set for another season in the Championship and they could lose some key stars in the summer.

Jacob Murphy has burst onto the scene this season with goal scoring displays from the wide areas and we could benefit from the youngster’s potential.

Nottingham Forest: Matty Cash

Nottingham Forest have a number of promising young players such as Ben Osborn, Ben Brereton and Joe Worrall but Matty Cash is a sublime talent.

The 19-year-old can operate anywhere in midfield and has also filled in as a wing back so that versatility and youth makes him a superb asset.

Preston North End: Ben Pearson

Ben Pearson has been one of Preston’s best players this season and the former Manchester United man will be aiming to get back to the Premier League soon.

The tidy midfielder is still only 22 and he is getting better every week.

Queens Park Rangers: Pawel Wszolek

Polish international winger Pawel Wszolek signed permanent terms with QPR in January after impressing on loan but he has been the subject of some Southampton interest.

Perhaps we could offer him a tempting move across London and he would add depth to the wide regions.

Reading: John Swift

John Swift is the man that makes things happen in the Reading midfield.

The 21-year-old will not be stuck in the second tier for much longer and he is just the sort of technical midfield playmaker that we could do with.

Rotherham United: Ben Purrington

Rotherham have been seriously poor this year but January signing Ben Purrington looks like a talent.

The 20-year-old is a left back who will soon outgrow League One football so we could get him in as one for the future.

Sheffield Wednesday: Sam Hutchinson

If Sheffield Wednesday fall short of promotion again this year, they will struggle to keep Sam Hutchinson at the club.

The tough tackling central midfielder can also play as a right back (which we need) and a centre half so he would be a useful acquisition.

Wigan Athletic: Luke Burke

Wigan have Reece Burke on loan from us but his namesake and fellow defender Luke Burke might be an interesting option for the future.

The 19-year-old has looked confident and competent in his several outings at right back for Wigan so far and he is currently gaining vital experience on loan at Barrow.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Helder Costa

Wolves’ wing wizard Helder Costa is attracting interest from the top clubs in the country so we would do well to get him in.

The Portuguese attacker is full of skill, pace, assists and goals – just what we need in the wide areas.