Danny Murphy says West Ham must keep five players

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West Ham are set for a busy summer after a disappointing 2017-18 campaign.

Danny Murphy has claimed in his London Evening Standard column that he would only keep five of West Ham United’s senior side this summer after a dismal campaign that sees them embroiled in a relegation battle.

The Hammers sit in 15th place in the Premier League, but only three points above 18th-place Southampton with three league matches still to be played.

They face a difficult run in between now and the end of the season, with an away trip to Leicester City on Saturday following by the visit of Manchester United and David Moyes’ former side Everton on May 13.

Murphy, who turned out for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, has claimed he would only keep Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble, Declan Rice and young midfielder Josh Cullen.

“Who should West Ham keep? Marko Arnautovic must be top of the list. He is one of the few transfers to have worked and the club have to ensure he feels wanted,” Murphy said.

“Next, Mark Noble. He understands exactly what it means to play for West Ham. I have been quite impressed by Declan Rice, despite his mistakes in recent games, and I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Josh Cullen in midfield.

“When he is fit, Manuel Lanzini is a very clever playmaker who can make most teams better.”

Noble and Arnautovic have been mainstays of the Hammers side this season, while Lanzini has been on the sidelines with multiple injuries. Despite his lack of action, he continues to be linked with a move away from the London Stadium.

Rice has been named the Young Hammer of the Year after his breakthrough into the side, but 22-year-old midfielder Cullen has only featured for the Hammers five times this season – culminating in 306 minutes.

Murphy’s claim means he believes the Hammers should consider the sales of first-team stars such as Angelo Ogbonna, Pablo Zabaleta, Pedro Obiang, Arthur Masuaku and Michail Antonio.