Both West Ham and Swansea are struggling this season and although the former have pulled away from the drop zone recently, their clash on Boxing Day still has the feel of a relegation battle.
Indeed, the Swans find themselves separated from the bottom of the table by goal difference alone, whilst Slaven Bilic’s Irons are five points away from the relegation zone – a decent margin, but one that could hastily disappear throughout the chaotic festive period, especially if they lose at the Liberty Stadium.
But with the January transfer window looming large, a relegation-threatened side like Swansea might be the ideal place for the east London club to look to strengthen.
Not only would raiding Swansea strengthen the quality of the West Ham squad, but it would also significantly weaken the south Wales outfit – which would have a huge bearing on the final standings near the less flattering end of the table come the end of the season.
With that in mind, we take a look at three Swansea players who’d fit in at West Ham.
Gylfi Sigurðsson
Sometimes clubs are fortunate to have players that deserve to play at a higher standard and that’s certainly the case with Gylfi Sigurðsson.
The Icelandic international remains one of the best playmakers in the Premier League and whenever Swansea score, he’s always involved in some shape or form.
If West Ham could prise him away in January, they’d seriously strengthen their starting XI whilst inherently weakening Swansea’s.
Kyle Naughton
Kyle Naughton has impressed since moving to south Wales in 2015 and with West Ham’s ongoing issue at right-back, the defender would be a welcome mid-season reinforcement.
Naughton has gained plenty of experience throughout his career and now aged 28, the defender is currently in his prime years.
Bilic would be foolish not to sign a right-back with Naughton’s proven status in the Premier League.
Fernando Llorente
As Andy Carroll remains the only forward to have scored for the Irons this season, the club is in desperate need of another front-man.
Fernando Llorente’s goals have sealed vital points for the Swansea cause and at the age of 31, he offers the Hammers real experience in the final third.
A move may seem unlikely following his summer arrival, but with relegation looming for the Spaniard, he may already be considering jumping ship.
