It really has been a strange season for West Ham fans in the Transfer Tavern.

The nervous energy surrounding the resident Hammers in the Tavern following their move to the London Stadium has well and truly descended into scepticism over whether or not the wonderful venue is right for their club following the shambolic form they have shown there this season. Furthermore, a worse performance from a brilliant season last year really has disappointed the West Ham fans who were expecting boss, Slaven Bilic, to take their side up a level.

Of course, there are factors that have not helped the Irons’ cause this season with the loss of Dimitri Payet in January being one of them. Although the squad rallied together following the Frenchman’s departure, it is clear that Bilic’s men are lacking that bit of creative quality with only Manuel Lanzini standing out. Furthermore, the injuries suffered by Andy Carroll has seen him just play in sixteen league games this year and the loss of his goals have been detrimental to the Hammers’ progress.

Our landlord believes that a replacement for Payet and a back up for Carroll should be the priority for West Ham in the transfer window and has outlined his opinion to those in the Tavern.

Here, then, is the striker and the midfielder he believes West Ham need to sign this summer…

Jermain Defoe

Likely up for a move due to Sunderland’s relegation, could Jermain Defoe finish his professional career where he started it? Our landlord definitely thinks so and bar a sabotage from Sam Allardyce and Crystal Palace – West Ham seem the best option for Defoe if he wants to continue playing Premier League football.

West Ham fans in the Tavern fully agree with our landlord’s choice and they know that with Defoe comes guaranteed goals which is something they definitely crave at the minute. The only concern they have about Defoe is his age but then again, thanks to his fitness not a lot can go wrong.

Dries Mertens

A real like for like replacement for Dimitri Payet, Dries Mertins could bring the x-factor that the Hammers were missing for the second half of this season especially in the final third of the pitch.

The Belgium international has been in sensational form for Napoli this season and if the Irons could finalise the signing of the thirty year old, it would send a real statement to their fans and their rivals that Slaven Bilic and his men really mean business when next season comes around.