

West Ham may have extended their barren run without a Premier League victory to six games following the goalless draw against Stoke City, whilst coming away disappointed with just a point against Old Trafford the week before is a real indication of how far the team have come this season under Slaven Bilic.

The Hammers currently sit eighth in the table following an impressive start to the campaign that may have taken those outside of the Boleyn Ground by surprise, with memorable victories against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool raising hopes that Europa League qualification could be on the cards (again).



Bookies.com have reduced the odds on West Ham to qualify for Europe this season, but although there is evident quality at Bilics disposal, a spate of key injuries has dented the strength in depth that made fans confident of challenging the big guns.



With Diafra Sakho ruled out until March 2016, and the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses also on the sidelines, it may be the right time for Bilic to consider his options ahead of the January transfer market.



He has already proven himself to be a shrewd negotiator with targeting players that have significantly improved the quality at West Ham, but although it remains to be seen if the board are willing to back him with sufficient funds next month, strengthening the squad further could make the difference between a top ten finish and European qualification.



Gokhan Tore



Managers often develop an attachment to certain players who make a real impact under their guidance and deliver the goods when their club needs them the most. It often results in the same two individuals being often reunited at different clubs when a manager leaves for pastures new, with Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore rumoured to be high on Bilics January transfer market wishlist.



The 23-year-old has reignited his career after failing to make the cut at Chelsea, with the Turkish international developing into a powerful midfielder who offers creativity and pace on either flank. Joining up with his former manager would certainly make sense and worth backing with Betway Free Bets, particularly as Moses hamstring injury may leave Bilic short of options in an area of pitch where West Ham have enjoyed a lot of success this season.



Seydou Doumbia



With Diafra Sakho ruled out through injury, it would come as no surprise if Bilic scours the market for more options upfront. The rumour mill has already thrown out a number of strikers that West Ham are lining up in January, and although fans are left to decipher fact from fiction, there would be few complaints if Seydou Doumbia walked through the doors at the Boleyn Ground.



His arrival would undoubtedly improve West Hams odds of 9/1 to finish in the top six or compete for the FA Cup where they will be good value for taking up any offer from Betway, as seen on West Ham shirts, to back them as dark horses. An injection of firepower and quality in attack is always welcome at West Ham, and with a number of forward options currently sidelined, any opportunity to sign someone of Doumbias calibre should certainly be considered.



The striker is enjoying something of a renaissance since returning to CSKA Moscow on loan after he struggled to make an impact at Serie A side Roma, with reports that the Italian side are willing to offload the Ivorian international sparking interest in a striker who has proven his worth in Europe over the years. He currently has three goals, including a penalty against Manchester United, to his name in the Champions League, but although he has endured a barren spell of ten games without a goal in all competitions, Doumbias pace and power could be a valuable asset if Bilic was able to lure him to East London.



Kevin Mirallas



Convincing a Premier League rival to sell one of their players may come at a considerable cost, but with Kevin Mirallas seemingly out of favour at Everton, there could an opportunity for West Ham to swoop in January. The 28-year-old has cut a forlorn figure on the bench as Gerard Deulofeu has continued to shine in his place, and with Euro 2016 on the horizon, Mirallas may look for a move in order to remain in Marc Wilmots thoughts for the Belgium squad.



West Ham have been long-term admirers of the winger-cum-striker, and although a move failed to materialise in the summer, Bilic may see the January transfer window as the perfect opportunity to add a player who can certainly make an impact into the squad.



Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.