da pinnacle： After months of speculation and the rather undignified exit of Sam Allardyce, West Ham have settled on the man they want to take them forward… Slaven Bilic.
da spicy bet： A club hero already following a spell in the claret and blue shirt in his playing days, the Croatian appears to be a solid option, with experience at international level as the boss of his homeland and spells in Russia and Turkey under his belt.
Although the Hammers have a solid squad with options and depth almost every position, Bilic is likely to be keen to lure in players of his own choosing as he sets about balancing a long Europa League campaign and Premier League responsibilities, so here are FIVE potential additions to kick off his era at Upton Park…
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Dejan Lovren
Links between Bilic and Lovren have already surfaced, and it seems there may be some bulk to suggestions that the incoming West Ham boss will make the centre-back one of his first major additions. The powerful defender has endured a nightmare season at Liverpool following his big money switch from Southampton, and with his front-foot style seemingly not an ideal fit under Rodgers, a cut-price deal is possible.
Bilic knows Lovren’s game well after coaching him in the Croatia set-up, so there’s every chance he could get the best out of him at in the claret and blue shirt. After all, he was impressive for the Saints.
Pedro Obiang
The latest reports suggest that a £4.3m fee has been agreed with Sampdoria for Obiang, who could certainly add some steel and quality to the Irons’ midfield. A player of such quality is unlikely to be someone Bilic will opt against getting in if a deal is some way down the line, with replacing Alex Song an issue.
The 23-year-old Spaniard is yet to seal personal terms, but the lure of Europa League football and London life may be enough to tempt him from Italy.
Gokhan Tore
The 23-year-old ex-Chelsea man was Bilic’s star turn at Besiktas last season, so there’s every chance he could explore the possibility of a reunion at Upton Park. The former Chelsea winger boasts excellent pace and good vision from wide, which could be of use to get the best from the likes of Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll, who thrive on decent service from the flanks.
Andre Ayew
A freebie of supreme quality, Ayew has been talked about as one of Ligue 1’s top talents for much of his eight-year spell with Marseille and looks to be, according to reports, heading to West Ham on a Bosman switch. The pacey Ghana international would add speed and trickery to Bilic’s wide armoury, while also keeping funds in place to strengthen other areas of his inherited squad. No brainer.
Demba Ba
Now this would be a stunner! Demba Ba spent a short spell with West Ham before leaving following their relegation to the Championship in 2011, and although his decision to force his way out angered some Hammers supporters, he could be a player Bilic looks at this summer. After all, the incoming Hammers chief took him to Turkey last summer, and reports are suggesting that the Senegal ace is ready to leave Istanbul.