With Nuno Espirito Santo aiming to make his mark on the current squad, West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign a Manchester City star at a bargain price in January.
Jamie Carragher blasts "shocking" West Ham
Whether it's been under Graham Potter or now Nuno, West Ham have not been good enough this season. Sat as low as 19th in the Premier League with one win to their name, the Hammers enter their game against Leeds United on Friday in desperate need of a positive result.
After being eased aside by Brentford on Monday, their relegation fears were exposed at the London Stadium. Former Liverpool star and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher didn't hold back after the game either, blasting West Ham as "shocking".
"Shocking, and they've been shocking for a while. I can't think of a less athletic team I've seen for a very, very long time in the Premier League. It's one of the slowest teams I've seen in Premier League football.
"West Ham, with that squad of players, no matter who the manager is, were always going to have a problem because I don't think they can cope physically."
The numbers also don't make for pretty reading. Only Chelsea have covered less distance than the Hammers in the Premier League this season and that's not simply because they've held the majority of possession. In fact, only four teams have held less possession than the London side - sparking serious concerns.
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks dejected after the match
Sky Sports also revealed that the only distance metric that West Ham are ranked high in is distance walked. For a side struggling near the bottom, that simply can't be accepted.
There's plenty of work for Nuno to do, but he must also ensure that he gets the players he needs when the January transfer window swings open.
West Ham now racing to sign Mateo Kovacic
As reported by Caught Offside, West Ham are now racing to sign Mateo Kovacic from Manchester City, who have made the Croatian available at a bargain price amid rumours that he won't be getting a new contract at the Etihad.
The Hammers aren't the only ones interested, however. Aston Villa and AC Milan are also chasing the midfielder's signature and the latter may be tempted to join compatriot and good friend Luka Modric at the San Siro.
Whilst Kovacic is beginning to become surplus to requirements at Man City, he would be an excellent coup for West Ham. A multiple-time Premier League winner, Champions League winner and former Real Madrid player, the 31-year-old would be a major upgrade on the likes of Tomas Soucek.
PL stats 24/25 Kovavic Soucek
Minutes 2,198 2,567
Progressive Carries 56 9
Progressive Passes 164 74
Goals 6 9
Previously described as "extraordinary" by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, Kovacic is still more than capable of starring in the Premier League. With just over a year remaining on his current deal, the Croatian should look towards the likes of West Ham as the perfect chance to stay put in England's top flight.