As usual, there is plenty of debate among our punters in the Transfer Tavern, and today is no exception.
The hot topic of the day surrounds West Ham United, with many debating which players Slaven Bilic should show the door to, and in turn find much better replacements.
It has been a bright start for the Hammers, who have achieved some brilliant results, including victories against Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, these superb victories have been spoilt by losses against ‘the smaller teams’, with defeats coming against the likes of Bournemouth and Watford.
Both the West Ham fans and players have real ambitions to get into the Champions League this season, having hit the ground running this campaign.
However, as fans of bigger teams will know, for this to be achieved their simply cannot be any passengers in the squad. Bilic could look to trim his squad, and in turn add greater quality into his squad.
Here are FIVE players that Bilic could get rid of in January, both permanently and on loan…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS
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Joey O’Brien
Though a reliable and honest player, the Irishman does realistically lack the quality for a team that have ambitions to get into Europe.
The former Bolton man was bought in by Allardyce, and at the age of 29, could look to find a new challenge of his own.
A move could therefore suit both parties, with Bilic better suited to looking for a better quality back-up player for his defence.
James Collins
Arguably a similar situation to O’Brien, Collins has served West Ham well in his last three years for the club, but at the age of 32, it may also be time for Bilic to look to bring in a younger centre-back to provide fiercer competition.
Collins is arguably fourth choice in the pecking order behind James Tomkins, Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna, and he may also do well to find himself a new challenge.
Matt Jarvis
A move that could suit all three parties, Jarvis is currently on loan at Norwich City and has started relatively well, but still hasn’t set the world alight.
Jarvis arrived at West Ham from Wolves with a lot of promise, but ultimately hasn’t really delivered.
With the likes of Diego Poyet, Manuel Lanzini and Mauro Zarate occupying the attacking wide positions, Jarvis looks a little out of the picture.
Bilic could once again bring in a better quality winger, to keep the likes of Poyet and Lanzini on their toes.
Reece Oxford (loan)
Definitely one who shouldn’t face the axe permanently in any way shape or form.
But since his sublime debut against Arsenal, young Reece Oxford has as expected, had limited game time.
A loan move could be beneficial for both the youngster’s development and the club.
There will certainly be several clubs around England who would enjoy the benefits that Oxford would bring to them.
Enner Valencia
One that could be surprising to some, but with Diafra Sakho continuing from where he left off from last season, and Andy Carroll looking like he has turned a corner with his fitness problems, Valencia is in danger of falling out of favour.
Valencia’s public criticism of West Ham’s medical staff was very unprofessional, but Hammers fans will be more concerned that he is yet to get off the mark this season in the league.
With the Hammers also recently being linked to the likes of Alexandre Pato, Valencia could look to buck his ideas up, or he could soon be making way.
