Our West Ham fans here in the Transfer Tavern are starting to allow themselves to feel more optimistic about their club again.

The Hammers have had a real season of two halves up to now with the first half being absolutely woeful and the second reminding us of just how much potential there is in the side.

Slaven Bilic and his men will be looking to harness that for the rest of the year, then, and take it into next season better than they did for this one.

The Croatian manager may just look at the potential he has in his youth ranks, too, to help bolster that momentum with the Academy of Football certainly harbouring some decent talents at the moment.

So, with that in mind, here are two young stars who could potentially be worth a great deal of money in the coming years – according to our landlord…

Toni Martinez

Many linked with the club are excited about what the former Valencia forward could become for the team.

He’s currently on loan at Oxford United where he scored at the weekend with a fine poacher’s finish against Premier League side Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. That goal highlighted what he’s all about and if he can keep improving he could become the fox in the box the club have been craving for some time.

Reece Oxford

We all know about Reece Oxford and what he could be for both club and, potentially if all goes well, country.

The young defender has already had plenty of praise lavished on him for his controlled performances at the back in the younger sides in the West Ham set-up with comparisons to Rio Ferdinand being banded around. That’s some compliment being paid and if he can emulate the ex-Man United man his value will be through the roof.

Thoughts, West Ham fans? Let us know below!