West Ham's January 2010 Transfer Targets: The Rumours

The January transfer window is finally opened and for West Ham, it is pretty good timing! With our threadbare squad decimated by injuries, there is a serious need for reinforcements. Perhaps Zola's desire to work with a smaller squad is backfiring on him and unfortunately, the young 'uns are not ready to pick up the slack. Hence Gianluca Nani, Scott Duxbury and Zola will definitely need to do some wheeling and dealing this January.

These are some of the names swirling around in the transfer rumour mill at this time.

Sol Campbell

A free signing as he is unemployed at the moment. Although questions can be raised about his fitness, pace and temperament, if he is motivated, Sol Campbell is a defensive rock! West Ham lacks a leader in defence and Campbell fits that bill perfectly.

Alan Hutton

This would be a great signing as West Ham does not have a capable right back. Having battled back from injury, Alan Hutton would be itching to prove himself and West Ham need a right back desperately. He is also great marauding forward to support the attack. Nice crosser of the ball, then again anyone can cross better than Julien Faubert! He could be the makeweight in a Spurs offer for Upson.

Olivier Giroud

FC Tours in the French Ligue 2, have confirmed that Olivier Giroud is for sale in January. Spurs, Portsmouth and Celtic are reportedly interested in this £2.5m rated player. Physically well-built, he should fit in nicely into the Premiership. Fellow Frenchman, Julien Faubert will be able to bed in the 23-year old striker making him feel comfortable around Boleyn Ground.

He is the current Ligue 2 top goalscorer with 13 goals in 18 games. At 6ft 31/2in, he is excellent in the air and also has creative skills on the deck. Equally comfortable with both feet, he looks an accomplished finisher. Here is a video by xx37xx974 showcasing Olivier Giroud.

At only £2.5m, the Frenchman could turn out to be a bargain.

Jack Wilshere

A great prospect and one for the future. He has stated of his preference to go on loan to his boyhood club, West Ham which is great news. But unfortunately, in a relegation battle, leaders are needed and so Wilshere may be a luxury that West Ham can ill-afford. Still, West Ham's inability to keep possession in midfield means that the abilities of Wilshere on the ball cannot be ignored. This is a gamble at best.

Mateja Kezman
The Serbian's best period came during his time at Holland with PSV Eindhoven. He scored 81 goals in three seasons there, making him a much sought-after striker. He failed to approach this kind of form at Chelsea and later moved from club to club finally settling at Paris St. Germain. In an attempt to offload the striker, PSG is offering him to West Ham. A once prolific goalscorer, he is a player past his best.

James Beattie

Stoke bought him in January from Sheffield United last season and it kept them up. Beattie scored seven goals and three assists to help Stoke preserve Premiership status. With his all-action style and determination, he could provide much needed experience and goals for the survival battle ahead. A much better option than Kezman for sure.

Another 18-year old prospect, Geoffry Hairemans is an interest of Zola's. However, this exciting young Belgian winger looks likely to be headed to Old Trafford as Royal Antwerp in Belgium is the feeder club for Manchester United. Still as is the case with young Wilshere, relegation battles are not particularly conducive environment to the development of young potential stars.

Which one of these rumoured transfers excite you the most?

Significantly, assistant manager, Steve Clarke had intimated to Martin Tyler that West Ham need not sell anyone this January. Zola also told the Daily Mail that he is confident of keeping the likes of Green, Upson, Parker and Cole at the club. Strengthening the squad whilst holding the current players together will be key to Premiership survival.

Come on You Irons!