Report: West Ham add six Championship players to shortlist, left-footer could cost just £5m

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The Daily Star has claimed that David Moyes has compiled a six-man shortlist of Championship stars that he wants West Ham United to sign before the domestic deadline on October 16 – including two second-tier captains.

West Ham fans remain disgruntled at a lack of action in the summer, managing to only compete a permanent deal for Tomas Soucek and bring in Vladimir Coufal to ease their right-back concerns. But the Hammers still need new players.

The exits of Josh Cullen and Jack Wilshere leaves West Ham lacking in central midfield, while a centre-back is required. Felipe Anderson has also departed, and the Brazil international could be replaced by the Hammers in the next few days.

The report claims Cardiff and Swansea captains Sean Morrison and Matt Grimes are being eyed, as is £5million-rated left-back Ryan Manning from QPR. Watford’s Craig Dawson and Bournemouth’s Steve Cook have been previously linked.

Brentford star Josh Dasilva, who came through the ranks at Arsenal, is also a target but has only just signed a new deal.

TBR’s view – Which players would improve West Ham?

The Hammers are desperate for a centre-back but of Dawson, Morrison and Cook – only the latter would improve the Hammers. Dawson has suffered relegation from the Premier League, while Morrison is somewhat inconsistent for Cardiff.

A left-back is also a priority and at £5million, Manning is a bargain – given his consistent performances and his ability in the final third, having a hand in 19 goals during his 96 QPR outings. A move for Dasilva is out of the question.

Grimes is a good, ball-playing midfielder but he is hardly Premier League quality. Of the six players then, Moyes should really prioritise Manning and Cook – with Manning cheap and Cook in the final year of his contract.