West Ham will be hoping to build upon a relatively unsuccessful first season under Manuel Pellegrini with a star-studded transfer window, and Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey could be the ideal candidate to kick things off.

One of the most discussed transfer sagas this season involved the future of England and West Ham sensation Declan Rice who, having made his debut under former boss David Moyes, has really come into his own this season as one of the Premier League’s brightest prospects.

The Hammers managed to tie him down a long-term contract keeping him at the club until 2024, which Rice was evidently pleased with: “Without a doubt, the plan was always to stay at West Ham. I’ve had the support from the fans, from the players and from the manager and now, to get it over the line, get it done and commit myself to this club is a very special moment and I’m over the moon” (as per the Independent).

Indeed, we have no doubt that at this stage in his career a sentimental residency at his boyhood club will suffice – at least, to aid his growth.

But when he fulfils his touted potential, and sentiment is no longer a sufficient enough incentive to stick around the London Stadium, West Ham will need to provide a substantial case so to convince him of positive future projects.

So where do they start?

We believe signing Jonjo Shelvey would make a good start.

The £20 million-rated midfielder has slipped down the pecking order at Newcastle United and could be available this summer providing Rafael Benitez is given assurances that he will be back in the market (Chronicle Live).

Former Liverpool man Shelvey is still a quality player at just 27-years-old and could quite easily replace Mr West Ham Mark Noble, who is reaching the twilight years of his career, in a position Pellegrini has been crying out for a more creative spark this season.

The emergence of Samir Nasri as a surprise success should inspire the club for future pursuits, and the Englishman would be the perfect candidate to continue their run of the form in the market. Indeed, as an established deep-lying playmaker, Shelvey would work well alongside Rice, whose defensive efforts would provide more than enough opportunity for him to exert his influence.

West Ham fans, how effective do you think a Shelvey-Rice partnership would be? Let us know in the comments below...