Manuel Pellegrini is the new manager of West Ham United, and one of his first jobs will be to get to work strengthening a squad that ultimately underperformed this season.

The Irons ended the campaign in 13th position but had it not been for the impressive performances from the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini in the final third, it could have been a lot worse given the east London outfit had the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League having conceded 68 times in their 38 top flight fixtures.

Bulking up the backline will need to be one of the former Manchester City boss' first tasks during the close season, and as well as at least one centre-back, he could be looking to strengthen in both full-back positions as well.

The 64-year-old, whom Hammers supporters on Twitter are keen to see link up with £140,000-a-week attacker, is sure to be a popular figure at the London Stadium given his stature and what he has achieved in the game – including a title win with Manchester City in 2014 – but he could be rated even higher if he gets things right in the transfer market.

Here are three defensive signings Pellegrini can make to become an instant West Ham hero…

It is unclear whether Pellegrini will play with a back four next season or go with the three-man defence his predecessor David Moyes often opted for, but one area he may want to freshen things up in as at left back/left wing-back

While Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku have shown that they can make a difference from an attacking point of view, their defensive abilities often leave a lot to be desired and the Chilean manager may want someone a little more reliable in that role.

Augsburg's Max would certainly fit the bill as he is good from a defensive point of view, while the three-cap Germany international also shone in the final third by providing 13 assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances this season.

With Jose Fonte already leaving in February, James Collins set to follow when his contract expires next month and Winston Reid being hampered by injury issues, it is clear that West Ham need at least one new centre-back this summer to compete with the likes of Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and Declan Rice next season.

Dawson would certainly fit the bill for what they are looking for despite being part of a West Bromwich Albion side that was relegated from the Premier League, as the 28-year-old is strong from a defensive point of view, good in the air and willing to put his body on the line for his team – as shown when he kept captain Jonny Evans out of the XI under Darren Moore at the end of the campaign.

With Sam Byram yet to make an impression with the Irons and Pablo Zabaleta getting no younger and able to get up and down the pitch like he used to, it is clear to see that West Ham need a new right-back this summer.

The energetic Fredericks, who would be able to play as a full-back or more attacking wing-back, would certainly fit the bill having played a key role in Fulham reaching the Championship play-off final this season.

Even if the Cottagers go up the 25-year-old could choose to leave given his contract is due to expire this summer, and he could be a brilliant bargain free transfer for the east London club and Pellegrini.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.