Winston Reid’s contract dispute and potential transfer away from West Ham is becoming a bit of a saga. The New Zealand international is due to be a free agent at the end of the season, and despite the Irons openly seeking to tie him down to a new deal, the player himself appears to be keeping his options open ahead of January, when a cut-price deal could tempt a ‘bigger’ club.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with the impressive 26-year-old, who has been a key part of the Hammers’ staggering start to the season, leading to suggestions that a move may well go through. West Ham have already slapped a £20m valuation on their man, but a fee much lower than that is expected to be enough, which may mean that ‘Big Sam’ will have to go shopping again in 2015.

But who’s out there? And who could make a similar impact to star arrivals during the last window? Well, here are FIVE we think are worth considering…

Nicolas N'Koulou

Already mooted as Allardyce’s top target to replace Reid is N’Koulou, who has been earning rave reviews for his performances for Marseille for some time. Commanding, impressive physically and experienced - at the age of 24 he has over 50 senior caps for Cameroon – the defender has long been talked about as a target for the likes of Arsenal. But, as of yet, the big boys have been reluctant to take a punt, which has left the door ajar for the Hammers, who have already proven that risk can garner reward with the additions of Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate over the summer.

West Ham scouts are understood to have been watching N’Koulou in recent weeks, with his impressive performances in l’OM’s backline having attracted their attention.

Tyrone Mings

Although a left-back by trade, Ipswich’s Mings has been deployed at centre-back during his career already, with impressive results. Aaron Creswell was signed from the Tractor Boys over the summer, and his adaptation to life in the top tier with West Ham has proven that there’s value in the Championship market, making the 21-year-old an appealing option for a host of clubs.

At 6ft. 3”, the Bath-born defenders has the physicality to be a top-class central enforcer, and with Sam Allardyce’s coaching he could be moulded into a dependable Premier League player, even though converting from a full-back role may take a little bit of time.

Daniel Ayala

With the Championship a market West Ham are known to be willing to explore, another second tier star in the shape of Ayala may be worth considering. The Spaniard has been one of the division’s standout defenders with Middlesbrough, performing well since making his loan switch from Norwich a permanent one earlier this year.

Ayala has been in English football since 2007, when he joined Liverpool’s youth team, but has had to make various temporary moves to get game time, which has, to an extent, hindered his development. Now 24, the once Sevilla man is at the ideal age to fulfil his potential, and could be a cost-effective option for the Hammers.

Virgil van Dijk

Celtic’s Van Dijk is already being talked of as ‘too good for Scottish football’, prompting speculation of a move south of the border to the Premier League. The Dutchman has been in terrific form since joining the Bhoys last year, and it does look as if it’s merely a matter of time before a big move away from Glasgow, which is something West Ham can offer him.

Arsenal are believed to be interested, but with the Gunners in need of proven talent right away, Arsene Wenger may opt against taking the risk, which could play into the Irons’ hands.

Dan Burn

Even though Fulham slipped to relegation last season, Burn impressed during the latter half of the season. Re-called from a loan spell with Birmingham, the massive defender – he stands at 6ft. 7” – produced some noteworthy displays, with his commanding showing during the Cottagers’ draw at Manchester United a highlight. Since their dip back into the Championship, the Londoners have given their 22-year-old more playing time, but with promotion unlikely, a January offer of a return to the big time may turn the centre-back’s head.