It has been a pretty poor season for the West Ham fans in the Transfer Tavern…

Whilst Slaven Bilic’s looks to have held off the threat of relegation for now, the Hammers’ mixed form so far this season suggests that he has a lot of work to do yet before he can secure Premier League football for next season.

The Hammers are currently sat in 13th place, and with a few losses separating them with the relegation zone – Slaven Bilic can certainly spare a moment to think about who he might want to bring to the club in January.

A top half finish will be the minimum that is expected from the side, and so he certainly has a lot of work to do.

With so much focus needed on the games ahead, Bilic must ensure that his transfer dealings are done efficiently and quickly, and with the window reopening in a few days – he needs to start focusing in on his targets.

With that said, Bilic must ask the owners to seal these 2 January deals next week…

Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe has scored everywhere he’s gone.

Whether it be at sides up and down the Premier League or in the MLS, Defoe has always been prolific – and his current spell at Sunderland has been no different.

Conversely, West Ham have struggled for goals this season – with Sakho, Ayew and Carroll suffering from a plethora of injuries and form issues – and so the pair could be a match made in heaven.

Bilic should make it his absolute priority to land the ex-Hammer as soon as possible.

Patrice Evra

At West Ham this season there has been a clear lack of experience and leadership, and so in a similar vein to Defoe – Bilic must look towards experienced hands as he looks to steady his ship.

Patrice Evra hasn’t been playing much for Juventus so far this season, and so a move away is looking increasingly likely.

West Ham could certainly do with a bit more defensive steel, and Evra would certainly offer it – so the deal would make sense.

A short-term deal would offer a low-risk option for Bilic.