In the post-Big-Sam era at West Ham there has been a fresh sense of optimism.
Slaven Bilic has arrived amongst a wave of investment from the board andthe move to the Olympic Stadium has brought about a feeling of ambition to the Claret and Blue part of London.
The arrivals of Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Alex Song last summer were just a taster of what we were to expect for the summer of 2015. Angelo Ogbonna, Dimitri Payet and Carl Jenkinson have all arrived this summer and, by all accounts, this will not be the end of a potentially seismic change in the threat of West Ham.
It is also reported that Alex Song is due to join on a permanent deal this summer.
The fans of the club were demanding a winger or striker, with Stewart Downing seemingly on his way back to the north-east. So here are five ‘star names’ West Ham could still sign this summer…
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Javier Hernandez
Fresh from a loan spell with Real Madrid, a signing of Hernandez’s stature would be massive for West Ham. The Mexican international would bring welcome competition for Diafra Sakho for the central striking berth.
His goal scoring record at both club and international level is up with some of the best finishers in the game, but limitations make a move to a top European club unlikely unless Chicarito is willing to sit on the bench once more.
For West Ham to bring in a player from the Bernabeu and Old Trafford would be yet another statement of intent going into the new season.
Adrien Rabiot
Amazingly, Rabiot is still just 20 and the PSG man has been around the highest level of the European games for several seasons now. Unfortunately for him, the emergence of Marco Verratti and continued class of Thiago Motta have made any progress to the first team very challenging.
Rabiot boasts an exceptional pass percentage from last season and at his age will be looking for a move where he can guarantee starts throughout the season. The potential of the Frenchman is still unquestionably high and would bring an extra layer of class to the West Ham midfield.
Kevin Mirallas
One who looks to be on the move this summer, with Spurs interested, Mirallas could be the extra winger that Hammers fans are crying for. The Belgian is another from this incredible generation and brings goals from a wide position whilst offering a direct dribbling threat to his full-back.
The Everton man is comfortable moving into the channels to create space for an overlapping full-back, whether it be Aaron Cresswell or Jenkinson, and his eye for goal could see him used as a second striker.
Mirallas would not be an extortionate purchase and his Premier League experience should reduce any potential settling in time.
Paul Georges-Ntep
This tricky dribbler from Rennes has shown great promise in Ligue 1. His contribution of nine goals and five assists last season would be a welcome addition to the West Ham side and additional depth with a Europe League campaigning looming.
Ntep can play on either side of the pitch and frequently looks to cut in for a shot at goal. At the tender age of 22, there will be inconsistencies in Ntep’s game and any fan base or manager will need to be patient, but if they were to see the Frenchman reach his potential he would be one of the danger men in the Premier League.
Gervinho
Despite nearly leaving Roma this summer, Gervinho is still available as the Italians look to strengthen.
Many English fans will not have best memories of the Ivorian, but he re-found his form whilst in Italy and begun to look like the player that made Arsenal initially invest in him. The ex-Gunner found some goal scoring form with the Italian giants and his pace finally became of use to stretch games.
The 28-year-old is significantly more experienced than many of the alternatives and would bring valuable European experience for the impending Europa League campaign.
Gervinho would not offer too much in the creation of chances, but as a supporting striker could be quite an asset.