West Ham had an efficient attack last season, but their defence let them down at times.
West Ham’s positive 14 goal difference led to them finishing with 62 points. The result was a spot in the Europa League for next season and a 7th place finish in the Premier League.
It signified West Ham’s highest point total in the Premier League era, and now manager Slaven Bilic is looking to refine his squad defensively and climb the table even further.
With all eyes on Euro 2016 this summer, there are an assortment of players that are looking to shine under the lights in France and secure a move to the Premier League.
With a spot in the Europa league secured, it could provide some likely candidates for Bilic to pursue as the summer wears on.
Here are four defenders who are partaking in Euro 2016 that West Ham should sign…
Samuel Umtiti
Despite yet to make an appearance with Les Bleus, Umtiti being selected for the French squad is a promising sign for the young defender.
Expected to go deep in the tournament, the Lyon centre back should gain some experience learning behind a veteran backline.
Umtiti, 22, made 30 appearances with the Ligue 1 outfit last season, scoring one goal. Regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents, West Ham would be mad not to target him.
Viktor Lindelöf
One player that West Ham should heavily pursue is Victor Lindelöf.
Lindelöf, 21, broke into Benfica’s first team halfway through the start of last season. He played a prominent role in a Benfica squad that went on to win their third league title, making 30 appearances throughout the year.
The Sweden international also appeared in every match for Sweden in their conquest of the U21 UEFA European Championship in 2015.
His market value is currently at £6m with the possibility to become the next world class export from Benfica looming at the conclusion of the tournament.
Ricardo Rodríguez
A force on the backline of VfL Wolfsburg, Ricardo Rodríguez has reportedly told the club of his intentions to leave.
West Ham would be smart to offer the Switzerland international a way out of the Bundesliga, who made 24 appearances last term.
Rodríguez is an adept penalty taker and also contributed three goals and four assists last season.
Rodríguez has made 157 appearances for Wolfsburg since joining the club in 2012, scoring 20 goals and assisting 25 more.
Stephan Lichtsteiner
Another Switzerland defender, Lichtsteiner has been a staple of Juventus’ back line since 2011.
The 32-year old made 37 appearances for the The Old Lady over the whole 2015-16 campaign, blocking the most crosses out of anyone at the club.
His top level experience could make him an intriguing target for West Ham and their quest to shore up their defence.