Earlier in the transfer window, West Ham were quick to improve their backline by bringing in Issa Diop, Ryan Fredericks and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. 

Since then, the Hammers have switched their focus to targeting attacking players with moves for the likes of Felipe Anderson and Bruno Fernandes lined up, while the signing of Ukrainian winger Andriy Yarmolenko was recently announced.

And once manager Manuel Pellegrini is content with the work that has been done to reinforce his forward line, the former Manchester City boss is likely to turn his attention back to defence.

West Ham have already had a £20m bid rejected for Newcastle United captain and centre-back Jamaal Lascelles (via Sky Sports) in the midst of their transfer dealings for Yarmolenko and Co. But as well as a central defender, Pellegrini should make signing a new left-back a priority.

Jordan Lukaku had previously been touted as a potential incoming for the position; however, West Ham should try and scupper Everton's move for Barcelona man Lucas Digne instead of signing the Belgian.

According to the Telegraph, Everton are looking to bring in both Digne and his Barcelona team-mate Yerry Mina, and the former would be a shrewd acquisition for most Premier League sides.

£13.5m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Digne, perhaps, has not quite lived up to his potential, falling behind some of France's other left-backs including Benjamin Mendy and Lucas Hernandez.

However, the 24-year-old is still a very capable full-back, who has much experience at the highest level having had spells at both Paris Saint-Germain and AS Roma.

With Arthur Masuaku not being the most convincing of defenders, Pellegrini may opt to use the Frenchman further up the pitch like his predecessors. And if so, Digne would be a good alternative to West Ham's other first-team left-back Aaron Cresswell.