West Ham could raid relegated clubs and strengthen their spine this summer

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Slaven Bilic could strengthen the spine of his team considerably by picking off three players from relegated duo Sunderland and Hull City.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

The Hammers have endured a difficult second season under Bilic but managed to finish 11th despite flirting with relegation at various stages.

Injuries, upheaval as a result of the move to the Olympic Stadium, the Dimitri Payet saga and poor recruitment made life difficult for the much-loved Croatian.

And he and co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold know they cannot afford to make the same mistakes again this summer.

Speculation has been rife over possible transfer targets already.

And while Bilic will undoubtedly be scouring Europe for top talent, there are a number of players from the relegated Black Cats and Tigers who could improve the Hammers and help strengthen their spine considerably.

Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford

The hugely impressive Sunderland ‘keeper could be a target for a number of clubs with the likes of Everton also said to be keen. But the Hammers desperately need to address their goalkeeping situation with neither Adrian or Darren Randolph nailing down the number one spot this season. Reports claim Pickford could be available for £15 million from the Black Cats and West Ham would represent a step up for the young star.

Hull City’s Harry Maguire celebrates

Harry Maguire

After Hull’s demotion to the Championship this most saleable and desirable asset is undoubtedly Harry Maguire. The 24-year-old has been superb for the Tigers and is a rare breed of centre back who can operate at full back and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. West Ham would need to beat off competition from the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and even Chelsea if reports are to be believed but he would also be another Englishman in the Hammers ranks, something Bilic has publicly stated he is keen on.

Grosicki has got his career back on track at Hull

Kamil Grosicki

Flying Poland winger Kamil Grosicki has got his career back on track at Hull after off the field problems. And he has been a revelation since signing a three and a half year deal back in January. His influence was central to Marco Silva’s excellent run as he came close to keeping Hull up against the odds. In the end it wasn’t enough to save the Tigers, though, and having proved himself in the top flight the 28-year-old would be just the kind of pacey assist machine West Ham need and looks a much better bet than Sofiane Feghouli and Robert Snodgrass.