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West Ham’s summer to-do list: Sign Jesse Lingard, fend off interest in Declan Rice and find more Czech mates

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

There are exciting times on the horizon for West Ham.

The Hammers secured a Europa League spot on the final day and David Moyes is keen to build on their remarkable season that he believes represents a “new level” for the club.

Jack Rosser assesses what is in their in-tray at the London Stadium this summer...

Sign Jesse Lingard

The midfielder may have been a little quieter towards the end of the season, but that is only relative to the start he made at West Ham when he scored nine goals in 10 games.

Getty Images
Getty Images

Lingard's future lies largely in the hands of Manchester United - where he has a year left on his contract - but keeping him is a priority for West Ham.

The 28-year-old has settled well in London and adds a touch of quality in the final third that few others in the squad can match.

His mentality and European experience could also prove invaluable in what is sure to be a challenging season next term.

Recruit well

Moyes has been at pains to dampen expectations over spending this summer, but that does not mean West Ham will have a quiet window.

There are players to be moved on - Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko and Fabian Balbuena are just a few who could leave - while a bigger squad will be needed to take on the challenge of Europe.

Bringing in forward support for Michail Antonio is a must, while Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek could do with someone to allow them to a rest in midfield at times.

Supporters have faith that Moyes will spend wisely. A couple of additions in the mould of Tomas Soucek and Vladmir Coufal would make for another good transfer window.

POOL/AFP via Getty Images
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Keep Declan Rice

Many behind the scenes at West Ham feel the loss of Declan Rice to injury for six games is what did for their Champions League bid and that only further underlines how important he is to the team.

Reports that Chelsea are ready to revive their interest in the midfielder this summer will have many supporters worried - but Moyes said he has no intention of selling Rice.

Chelsea may test the resolve of David Sullivan this summer, but if West Ham are to build on a fantastic season then they will need Rice at the heart of their midfield.

There is a sentimental argument to Rice staying, too. After graduating through the academy and taking on the captaincy this season - the 22-year-old must like the idea of leading them out in Europe.

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