The problems at West Ham United continue to mount and, for the Irons propping up the bar in the Transfer Tavern, things really need to change at the London Stadium.
While genuine fears over the prospect of suffering relegation during the maiden campaign at their new home have somewhat subsided of late, there’s little doubting it has otherwise been a nightmare season thus far.
One of the major sewing motifs of the past few months has been the fact that the Hammers’ summer signings have continually failed to impress in claret and blue, meaning the January transfer market takes on an added importance.
Not only do top brass in Stratford need to prove they can be trusted to deliver marked improvements on what Slaven Bilic currently has at his disposal to change the view of the fans in the long-term, they also need to do it quickly to absolutely ensure they aren’t dragged back into the scrap to stay up.
With that in mind, perhaps a good avenue to explore would be the African Cup of Nations.
The biggest names in Africa go head-to-head this month in the continent’s biggest tournament and surely all this action will throw up the odd hidden gem.
Considering all of this, here are THREE AFCON stars Bilic should be casting keen eyes over.
Yacine Brahimi
With the likes of Sofiane Feghouli failing to perform this season and Michail Antonio being asked to perform a number of roles amid the struggles, Bilic’s options in wide areas could do with strengthening indeed.
Enter, Yacine Brahimi.
The FC Porto ace was strongly linked with a move to Everton in the summer and has impressed in the Champions League over the past few seasons.
Vincent Aboubakar
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for much of the past 18 months, you’ll know that West Ham are rather keen on bringing in a new striker to the club.
With Simone Zaza having entirely flopped, perhaps a move for Cameroon international Vincent Aboubakar would be a wise idea.
The clinical 24-year-old is on loan at Turkish side Besiktas and is another who has previously been touted as a potential target for Everton.
He’d certainly prove a palpable goal threat in the Premier League.
Keita Balde Diao
Improving the frontline at the London Stadium is clearly the priority for Bilic right now, considering the toothless nature of his attack.
Lazio forward Keita Balde Diao may be a good option in that regard as he prepares to line up for Senegal alongside the likes of Sadio Mane.
Having started his career at Barcelona, the 21-year-old is a wonderfully direct (though extremely technical) attacking outlet. He really would finally excite the faithful currently oh so miserable at West Ham’s new home.
