Only eleven games in and it’s already looking like a season to forget for our West Ham supporting punters in the Transfer Tavern.

The Hammers are currently in 17th place and only a point above the relegation zone, a far cry from last season’s seventh place finish.

They are showing some signs of getting away from danger as the weekend’s 1-1 draw against Stoke City meant they have only lost one in the last five.

Should they manage to get away from trouble and climb into the middle of the table, it may be worth getting their transfer targets in early.

Should the Hammers dip their toes in the water when January roles around, they can give their new signings an extra six months or so to bed in before next season.

And there is always the chance their new charges can hit the ground running and possibly help them push for a European spot come the end of the season.

Here are TWO players we think the Hammers should look at, along with TWO that have outstayed their welcome….

IN – ROBIN KNOCHE

If there is one thing the Hammers have needed all season, it is a calm head to steady their defence.

Angelo Ogbonna has been poor compared to last season, while even the normally reliable Winston Reid has made some uncharacteristic errors.

Robin Knoche could be the man West Ham need and may be looking for a move when his contract expires next summer.

Knoche, who was once touted as one of the brightest talents in German football, has been one of the few consistent players in a Wolfsburg side that has been all over the place over the last couple of seasons.

OUT – GOKHAN TORE

Even though Gokhan Tore was only signed in the summer, a lot of Hammers fans in the Tavern feel like they have already seen enough.

One of Slaven Bilic’s favourites when he managed Besiktas but has shown little to none of that talent in a West Ham shirt.

It’s easy to see why the Turkish side let the winger go out on loan, and West Ham would be wise to send him back.

With Michail Antonio and Sofaine Feghouli available on the right-wing, it’s hard to see Tore getting many more chances.

IN – CYRUS CHRISTIE

West Ham may well be able to find a gem if they look down the divisions.

Cyrus Christie has impressed in an inconsistent Derby side that may be an outside bet for promotion from the Championship under Steve McClaren.

The right-back has been a gem going forward and has already recorded 19 key passes – more than any other Championship defender.

More importantly for West Ham, he isn’t too shabby in defence either and his 25 interceptions are the best of any Derby player.

OUT – SIMONE ZAZA

Slaven Bilic should probably just stay away from the loan market.

Simone Zaza has not enjoyed a brilliant spell at the London Stadium and has been the target of scorn from Hammers’ fans at the Tavern and ridicule from everyone else.

The Italian hasn’t looked like scoring in his nine appearances and has put in some poor performances.

What’s worse is another appearance would trigger a £19m transfer fee to Juventus.

With Napoli allegedly circling for the 25-year-old, Bilic would be wise to cut ties now and let him move back to Italy.