It has been a tough season so far for poor West Ham in almost all respects.

It was an absolutely dismal start to the campaign - both domestically and in Europe - for Slaven Bilic's side, who until recently lingered dangerously close to the realms of relegation and after being booted out of the Europa League by lowly Astra Giurigu for the second successive season.

Although results have improved recently and the Hammers currently sit a respectable 10th in the Premier League table, things haven't got any easier.

Star man Dimitri Payet has caused quite the stir by looking to leave the club, and the surrounding hoo-hah has been a major disturbance over the winter period.

So with their talisman keen to leave, and their summer signings all struggling to make any sort of impact, January is going to be a key period for the club to invest wisely so they can kick on for the rest of the season.

Here are three last-minute deals we think West Ham should consider ...

Moussa Dembele

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The most frustrating thing about West Ham's transfer policy; their inability to sign a top class striker. The club's all-time top scorer in the Premier League is Paolo Di Canio with 48. Second to him is Carlton Cole with 41. Not much else needs to be said.

Moussa Dembele has been exceptional for Celtic this season, and while signing players from the SPL may be a gamble, the Frenchman has proven he has what it takes to succeed outside of Scotland with his performances in the Champions League. He may take some prying away from the Hoops but goals are almost guaranteed and he'd be a wise long-term investment.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

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Gylfi Sigurdsson has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League during his spells at Swansea, Tottenham and of course Swansea again. He proved his class to world last summer as he excelled for Iceland at the European Championships in France.

With the Swans struggling, however, the Iceland international may want to secure himself Premier League football for next season. But amid recent rumours of interest from Inter Milan and Roma, West Ham could face stiff competition for his services.

Ivan Perisic

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Another one of the European Championship's stand-out performers, Ivan Perisic excelled for Croatia - who were mightily impressive during the summer in France.

According to Italian sources, however, Inter Milan could decide to part ways with their star man. With nine goals already this season, the left-sided midfielder would add some much-needed firepower to the Hammers squad, and would almost be a direct replacement for the sulking Dimitri Payet.