COMMENT

West Ham are in dire need of midfielders, and come the January transfer window that should be David Moyes' main focus.

The Hammers manager himself admitted they were short in midfield after the loss against Arsenal on Tuesday and that they needed to add little quality to the squad.

There are plenty of options for him to consider.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like one of them will be a player he had already confirmed he was interested in, Arsenal's injury-prone Jack Wilshere.

Moyes previously admitted he would have to take a serious look at Jack Wilshere if he became available, but Wilshere is adamant that he wants to stay at the Emirates.

The Arsenal midfielder stated on Sky Sports on Wednesday that he wanted to stay at his club and sign a new contract with them.

However, despite the disappointment of missing out on Wilshere, it means that Moyes is free to look at other targets in January to strengthen a team that's still languishing at the wrong end of the league.

Here, Football Insider looks at three of midfielders who Moyes must try to sign in the upcoming transfer window, including a 26-year-old who would bring goals and assists to the London Stadium.

Click below to reveal who can save West Ham's season...

nextpage

Tom Cairney

Tom Cairney was a key part of Fulham's play-off finish last season, and is the ideal man to bring goals back to the London Stadium.

Cairney played 45 times last season, scoring an impressive 12 goals and registering 11 assists.

The 26-year-old has been sorely missed by the Cottagers this season, as they sit seven points off the play-offs. Cairney has recently returned to action but has missed a large of portion the season due to a knee injury.

For that reason he's only currently got one goal and one assist this season, but while these numbers are disappointing for Fulham, they could be beneficial to West Ham.

It means Cairney is flying under the radar for a lot of Premier League teams, who would have snapped Fulham's hand off in the summer to get him.

Newcastle United have been reported as aiming to return with a £20million bid in January after failing in the summer, but with their takeover in the air, the Hammers could swoop in first.

It'll be an easier job for Moyes to convince Cairney to leave Fulham, than it was in the summer, as they look almost certain to remain in the Championship and he won't have to uproot himself from London.

He might also get him for a knockdown price with Cairney not flying like he was last season.

Click below to see who could make a triumphant return to West Ham, where it all started for him...

nextpage

Alex Pritchard

Alex Pritchard should be given a West Ham return after he left them at a young age in 2009.

The now Norwich City midfielder was in the Hammers youth set-up before opting to move across London to Tottenham.

After failing to get regular Premier League action and going on numerous loans, the midfielder has really showcased his potential since joining Norwich in 2016.

Last season, Pritchard made 35 appearances across all competitions for Norwich, scoring seven goals and grabbing 12 assists.

Pritchard returned to the side in November after ankle surgery kept him out of the first part of the season – and he's hit the ground running.

While he is yet to get off the mark, he has been impressive in his cameo appearances, and was Norwich's best player in his first start of the season against Leeds United last Saturday.

Once again, Moyes can take advantage of Pritchard's early season injury to get a deal done quickly and for a good price.

Pritchard should be raring to go by January and will relish a return to West Ham and the Premier League.

Click below to see which Premier League talent Moyes should try and sign...

nextpage

Jonjo Shelvey

Jonjo Shelvey is arguably one of the best passers of the ball in the Premier League, but he comes with a less than desirable temperament.

Rafa Benitez doesn't always seem convinced by the midfielder, shown by the fact he's only started one of their last four league games he has been available for.

Danny Murphy suggested after Shelvey was benched for the Chelsea game, that Benitez likes a disciplined team and the midfielder doesn't fit the bill.

This could be West Ham's opening to secure a midfielder in January with Premier League experience, as well as getting one who has a fantastic eye for creating opportunities.

Shelvey will no doubt be keen to make a move where he gets regular first-team action, as while it is a long-shot, Shelvey could still make England's World Cup squad.

In other West Ham United news, the Hammers have named a price for their wantaway star.

We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all West Ham breaking news.