While Slavan Bilic is impressing every football fan with his humorous, relaxed punditry of games at EURO 2016, can the Croatian also impress with his transfer dealings at West Ham this summer?
With a second season in Europe and a number of very, very good talents now on the books in east London, Bilic will be tasked with not only improving the squad, but also holding on to star players who are being looked at by the European elites.
A move to a new stadium, European football and a financial boost from television deals make West Ham and exciting prospect for any player looking for a transfer to the Premier League.
We have compiled a list of THREE players likely to make the move to West Ham this summer, along with theTHREE players potentially heading for the exit door…
IN – Gokhan Tore
Rumours have been circulating in East London for some time that Gokhan Tore will be heading to the Olympic Stadium this summer.
It will come as no surprise to see West Ham take an interest in the Turkish star; the 24-year-old played under Slavan Bilic at Besiktas.
Bilic spoke about Tore to the media last year and stated: “I have always said that Gokhan could play at any European team, he has both the quality and the potential.”
OUT – Diafra Sakho
Despite a decent start to his West Ham career, Diafra Sakho looks set to leave east London, after reduced playing time due to injury frustrated the Senegalese international.
Sunderland made an official bid for the 26-year-old, while West Brom are also keeping tabs on the striker, who will be looking to get his Premier League career back on track.
IN – Michy Batshuayi
An up-and-coming talent of the European game, Batshuayi is currently with the Belgium squad at EURO 2016.
The 22-year-old has pretty much confirmed that he will be leaving Marseille this summer and a number of Premier League clubs are reportedly chasing his signature including Spurs and West Ham.
OUT – Dimitri Payet
Sorry, West Ham fans. Despite the fact that the club have said they will not be letting Dimitri Payet leave for any price, it will be a hard task to fend off every potential suitor that will surely be keen on landing the 29-year-old star.
The current toast of the European Championship, Payet will be keen on Champions League football, especially as he enters his 30s. His relatively new five-year-deal should mean that the Hammers can expect a significant amount of financial return upon his potential departure, though.
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IN – Atiba Hutchinson
Perhaps a surprise move considering his age, 33-year-old Atiba Hutchinson looks set to become a West Ham player, if reports are to be believed.
The Canadian international also played under Slavan Bilic at Besiktas and his versatility and experience would be valued in the West Ham squad. The Canadian international also played under Slavan Bilic at Besiktas and his versatility and experience would be valued in the West Ham squad.
However, it is thought that the Turkish club are desperate to keep Hutchinson and will be asking for a significant amount of money for one of their most treasured players.
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OUT – Enner Valencia
Recent reports in the Spanish media have suggested that Enner Valencia would like a move to La Liga, believing it to be a perfect fit for his style of play.
The 26-year-old was another player hampered by injury at Upton Park last year and only made 15 league appearances during the season. With the Hammers set to sign one or two high quality strikers, Valencia may be best suited moving elsewhere in order to obtain regular first team football.
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