West Ham United head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has urged majority shareholder David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to lure a new striker, midfielder and defender to the London Stadium when the transfer window reopens as he aims to boost his chances of keeping his side in the Premier League, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.
The Hammers' season hit a fresh low point earlier this week thanks to suffering a 2-0 defeat to Brentford, courtesy of goals from Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen, and that has resulted in the top flight strugglers already making plans to bolster their options midway through the campaign.
Nuno was tasked with turning around West Ham's fortunes when he was appointed as Graham Potter's successor in the hot-seat last month but, after being unable to win any of his opening three clashes, the tactician is looking to take advantage of the upcoming transfer window as he seeks to improve the squad he inherited.
Hammers Have Zirkzee on List of Attacking Targets
Joshua Zirkzee in action for Manchester United
Nuno has identified three key positions for West Ham to strengthen during the winter transfer window, according to GMS sources, with Sullivan and Brady being pushed to bring in a new striker, midfielder and defender as the east Londoners bid to stave off relegation to the Championship.
The former Nottingham Forest chief is determined to secure fresh firepower after Germany international Niclas Fullkrug has been forced onto the sidelines through injury and Callum Wilson has been deprived of any game time since the alteration in the dugout, which led to Lucas Paqueta being deployed as a false No.9 against Brentford earlier this week.
GMS sources have been informed that Joshua Zirkzee has been shortlisted as an option by West Ham and, having struggled to make himself a regular starter since joining Manchester United in a deal worth close to £37million in July 2024, he is keen to leave his current surroundings on loan to boost his hopes of being selected by the Netherlands for the World Cup.
Joshua Zirkzee's statistics since joining Manchester United
But the east Londoners are in danger of facing competition for the centre forward's services as PSV Eindhoven are showing interest and Roma, who are prepared to send former Hammers loanee Evan Ferguson back to Brighton & Hove Albion after the goals and minutes have dried up despite a positive start, are also keen.
Although Nuno would favour bringing in a target-man after enjoying success with Chris Wood leading the line for Nottingham Forest, GMS sources have learned that suggestions that Ivan Toney could join in January are premature as Al-Ahli want to keep the former Brentford marksman and he would need to agitate for a move after consistently saying he is happy in Saudi Arabia.
Nuno Facing Uphill Battle to Bolster Midfield Options
West Ham United head coach Nuno Espirito Santo shouting instructions from the touchline
GMS sources have been told that Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup is still appreciated by West Ham despite the alteration in the hot-seat, while Andrey Santos and England international Kobbie Mainoo have also been among the names discussed as Nuno wants to secure a box-to-box presence who would add pace in the middle of the park.
The Hammers, who are looking to offload James Ward-Prowse after he has fallen by the wayside, are facing an uphill battle as Chelsea do not want to sell Santos and Mainoo would have to push for a loan move as Manchester United are not eager to sanction a temporary exit.
Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell is among the defenders on West Ham's list of potential acquisitions, GMS sources understand, but Nuno wants more experience and that has resulted in him not entertaining taking a gamble on handing highly-rated youngster Ezra Mayers game time when in a battle against relegation.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 22/10/2025
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