West Ham United are already preparing for next season; a new stadium, a new kit and some new recruits and targets in preparation to better the highs of their previous campaign.
Confirmed interest
Slaven Bilic confirmed in a recent press conference that his two targets are Besiktas duo Gokhan Tore and Atiba Hutchinson. The former Besiktas boss is familiar with the capabilities of the two; they were crucial parts of Besiktas’ title winning team last season, both playing a combined total of 57 games in their positions.
Gokhan Tore is a winger with a dynamic edge to his game, Hutchinson is a versatile defensive minded player, featuring for Besiktas in both the defensive midfield role and on some occasions as a right back. While Tore could provide West Ham with some added quality and flair in attack, Hutchinson would be the player to add experience and control to the midfield; the Canadian being notorious for his calmness in possession.
A touch of class to be installed at West Ham?
Tore could potentially complement the outstanding talent in midfield, Dimitri Payet. Tore scored four goals in 24 appearances last season, and assisted his team six times. He has pace, skilled dribbling and a physical presence in his game, making him a player suitable for the demanding ways of the Premier League. The Turkish international is currently at the Euros with Turkey, but will not feature for their first two games due to suspension.
Following last season, it is argued where the Hammers would have finished up without Payet, by recruiting more players with a stroke of class about them, the only way is up when next season is concerned.
Of course, Besiktas will be reluctant to let two players exit the club, more so Tore as Hutchinson reaches the latter stages of his career as a 33-year-old.
West Ham yesterday revealed the signing of Valencia winger, Sofiane Feghouli, the wide man claimed in his first interview with the club that "playing in the Premier League is very important for players in their careers", will the same incentive inspire Tore and Hutchinson to make the move to East London? Slaven Bilic will certainly hope so.