West Ham simply have to be busy in the transfer window when it opens in January, that much is abundantly clear for all to see.

Indeed, our resident Hammers fans here in the Transfer Tavern want Slaven Bilic to get plenty of business done as soon as the market opens for business given the precarious position they find themselves in right now.

After looking like they were going to get a much-needed victory at London rivals Tottenham over the weekend the Hammers capitulated and lost the game, leaving them just a point clear of the relegation zone.

It was a result that once again exposed the frailties that are in the squad Bilic has at the moment, some of which he bought in in the summer, and so now January could really make or break their season.

Our landlord reckons it’s time they get at least one new striker in and thinks he could come out of this four…

Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe scores goals and that is what West Ham need. The striker reached the 150 mark in the Premier League over the weekend for Sunderland and looks as though he’s got plenty more in him so why wouldn’t the Hammers go for one of their old players.

He seems settled in the north east as they battle relegation but a move to one of his former clubs could prove too much for him to turn down.

Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge is a world class finisher and would be a real coup for West Ham if they could get him.

Despite all of his talent, he doesn’t seem to be able to find a way into Jurgen Klopp’s front three at Liverpool and so you’d expect quite a few clubs to bid in January for his services.

West Ham could have done with a better start to the season but if they can ensure he is the main man, he may still fancy the move.

Manolo Gabbiadini

Gabbiadini just doesn’t simply seem to be in Napoli’s plans and so it would make sense for him to move.

When Gonzalo Higuain left in the summer he surely must have thought he’d have been playing more, but with the arrival of Arkadiusz Milik, that still hasn’t happened.

The Pole has been out injured giving the Italian a bit of a look in but you get the feeling Napoli would let him go pretty easily and so West Ham should act.

Carlos Bacca

West Ham were linked with Carlos Bacca in the summer but simply couldn’t get the deal done.

Now, though, they’ve surely realised what problems that has caused and they may be tempted to go back for the AC Milan man once the window opens in January.

The San Siro giants are going well in Serie A this season, though, and so the London club had better make an offer they simply cannot turn down.

Agree Hammers fans? Let us know below…