David Moyes has outlined where he wants to strengthen West Ham’s squad this summer after steering the team to survival for a second time and wants a helping hand in doing it.
The Hammers secured their Premier League status with one game of the campaign remaining after a draw at Old Trafford saw them safe heading into the final match of the season against Aston Villa at London Stadium.
West Ham shipped 62 goals last season and it was generally believed that Moyes wanted to fix his leaky defence as a priority in the transfer window but funds are expected to be tight in east London.
Moyes has now admitted he wants to add strength in a “lot of areas” but that defence is the main priority despite the manager also being keen to bring QPR attacker Eberechi Eze to the club. Centre backs are on the agenda as well as full backs.
Moyes, in an interview with the Evening Standard, said: “We would like to strengthen in a lot of areas. We’re lacking in defensive cover. We’re also looking to see who could move on, because that could change the direction we take during the transfer window.
“The owners have spent a lot of money in the last few years and I’m not sure a similar amount will be available this time. Whatever there is, though, we will spend it wisely.
“We’re trying to bring in a younger group but we will also need a couple of experienced players. Central defenders are usually better when they’re more experienced.”
The Hammers manager has scouted full backs Antonee Robinson of Wigan and QPR’s Ryan Manning, while reportedly holds a long-standing interest in River Plate right back Gonzalo Montiel and Manchester United full back Diego Dalot.
Moyes also revealed he wants to bring a head of recruitment to the club as he looks to make a few changes in east London and that includes signing up assistants Paul Nevin and Kevin Nolan to long-term deals to remain on his coaching staff.
The Hammers had a head of recruitment/director of football in Mario Husillos when Manuel Pellegrini was in charge at the club but the Argentine’s track record was very hit and miss during his 18-month stay as director of football in the capital.
The free transfer of Roberto is one that stands out while the capture of Jack Wilshere also hasn’t worked. Felipe Anderson had a good first season but a poor second and Andriy Yarmolenko has been blighted by injury problems since his £17.5million switch from Borussia Dortmund.
Issa Diop though was a success, as was Fabian Balbuena in his first season. The jury is still out on £45million Sebastien Haller.
The Hammers' transfer business is often conducted by co-owner David Sullivan, much to the chagrin of supporters as the co-owner can often dictate the transfer strategy of the club rather than the manager.
“It can’t happen overnight, Moyes added.
“You can have a good year and then a bad one, but if you’re continually going to chop and change, that will always happen. Anyone who knows anything about football would surely say, ‘This is a club that could do with a period of stability.’”
