Nuno Espirito Santo plotting move to bring ‘unbelievable’ star to West Ham
Nuno Espirito Santo endured a frustrating start to his West Ham career after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal followed a 1-1 draw with Everton.
Nuno was appointed to replace Graham Potter, with the Hammers picking up just one win from their opening five Premier League games at the time.
They have now sunk to 19th in the league table with just four points after seven games, leading to suggestions that the squad is in need of major additions.
The former Nottingham Forest boss is keen to stamp his mark on his starting XI and is already putting plans in place for the January transfer window.
Nuno could sign three former players for West Ham, with a potential shortlist being drawn up behind the scenes and a number of key positions in mind.
Nuno Espirito Santo eyes deal to bring Adama Traore to West Ham
West Ham are keen to support Nuno’s transfer plans, and that could result in a move to sign Fulham star Adama Traore either in January or at the end of the season.
That is according to former Hammers scout Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Nuno is keen to reignite with his former player.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and could soon become available, while he has a strong relationship with the boss from their time at Wolves.
“Traore has always been a player who promises a lot and delivers little,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s got unbelievable pace and power, even if the end product doesn’t match that, and that’s something which can be an asset for any team.
“There are obviously concerns that he doesn’t score or assist enough, but Nuno knows him and has worked with him before, so he’ll know all about that.
“He likes to have direct wingers who are willing to run at their man and drag the team up the pitch on the counter attack, and that’s what Traore would bring.
“So if he’s going to be available in January or at the end of the year, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him make that move to play under Nuno again.
“I hear West Ham look like they’re going to back the manager to bring in players who suit the way he plays, so we’ll see if he’s one they go for.”
Nuno attempted to sign Traore for Nottingham Forest during the summer, but nothing materialised despite holding late talks over a move to the City Ground.
Nuno already making key changes to his West Ham squad
A number of incoming deals are being considered behind the scenes at the London Stadium, but Nuno is also keen to clear his squad of some fringe players.
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Nuno plans to accept offers for James Ward-Prowse in January as the midfielder has no role in his plans for the future.
Ward-Prowse was excluded from both of the manager’s matchday squads to face Everton and Arsenal despite being fit and ready to feature.
Football Insider revealed on 5 October that Ward-Prowse is prepared to leave West Ham and is already putting plans in place to find a new club in January.
Ward-Prowse has been tipped to return to Southampton, with the Saints enduring a slow start to the season in the Championship.
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