Sam Allardyce may have been tipped for the sack by at least one tabloid today - but that wasn't stopping him from continuing to plan for the close season.
Journalist Sami Mokbel claimed in the Mail this morning that Allardyce is set to be removed from his position after West Ham face Manchester City in the title-decider at the Etihad Stadium this coming weekend.However Big Sam, who celebrates three years in the job later this month is already making plans for next season, having previously decided who he wants to move on and and in which positions he needs to strengthen this summer.
Several first team squad members - including fringe players such Joe Cole, Jordan Spence, Jack Collison and Jussi Jaaskelainen - are out of contract this summer whilst Alladyce has already said goodbye to Italian duo Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello, both on loan at the club since January.
It is perhaps no surprise that the manager has identified a striker to support Andy Carroll as his main target for pre-season but Allardyce is also looking to improve his defensive options, with full backs close to the top of the list of priorities.
With Alou Diarra also considered likely to leave the club this summer - if West Ham can find anyone to take the former Franch international off their hands, that is - Big Sam is seeking cover in midfield, with Stade de Reims' 24-year-old Grzegorz Krychowiak mooted as one possible target by Polish media today.
Some of the other names the Hammers have been linked with during the past 48 hours include Chelsea's Demba Ba, Diafra Sakho of Metz, Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida (currently with Besiktas) and Gabriel Obertan.
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