West Ham have made encouraging moves this transfer window in order to bolster their paper-thin squad ahead of what could be yet another potentially gruelling campaign, especially if David Moyes guides them on another famous European run.

The Scot guided West Ham to the Europa League semi-finals last term but was over-reliant on the same core group of players and has recruited well this summer, with Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, and Maxwel Cornet all arriving in London.

However, with Aguerd suffering a serious-looking ankle injury in a pre-season friendly against Rangers and the club selling Issa Diop to Premier League new boys Fulham, Moyes’ squad is extremely light when it comes to centre-backs.

One name that has been touted as a potential signing is Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, with West Ham keen on adding the Ivory Coast international to their ranks.

He could be the perfect Diop replacement, although Man United reportedly only wants to sell the player, with the club reluctant for him to leave on loan.

Last season was a tough one for the centreback, playing only six times as he fell down the Old Trafford pecking order, but the 28-year-old titan still has a lot to offer.

Bailly has averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.89 through his career whilst also making winning 1.7 aerial duels per match, showing just how effective he is in the air.

His first season in the Premier League saw him at his most influential, winning 43 tackles and making 66 interceptions as United won the League Cup, Charity Shield, and Europa League.

Through a mixture of injuries and poor form, Bailly hasn’t kicked on from his impressive debut campaign in England, but Moyes should be able to bring the defender back to his commanding best.

Having been dubbed as “levels above” fellow United centre-back Harry Maguire, it's clear just how much talent the player possesses, if he can stay fit and focussed.

Moyes could make a big statement of intent by signing him, whether it's on loan or a permanent deal, and with United reportedly looking at a fee of £17m for a potential move, it could be Moyes’ best bit of business in the window.