Slaven Bilic says he has a list of players he'd like to sign in the summer - and believes the club have made a positive start to their recruitment programme.
Speaking in an interview for West Ham's website, Bilic - who is set to undergo a hip operation shortly - revealed that he is seeking to strengthen his first team in several areas, whilst admitting that some players may leave in order to make room for new arrivals."We know in what positions we'd like to improve the team - we have a list of players," he revealed. "It's not very easy to get them, but it's looking positive so far.
"We need quality players. Of course, you always need quality players, but sometimes you are buying players for the future and sometimes you are buying squad players to act as back-up. We are good in that department.
"Some players may go to refresh the team with some new players, but mainly we need the players who are going to improve our quality and be the game-changers. There are no guarantees in football but we need starting XI players, but only in some positions."
And with regard to the type of player he may be seeking, Bilic admitted that he feels the team is perhaps a little short currently of powerful, quick players - and those with the ability to wow a crowd.
"Athleticism is a very important thing in today's football, especially in the Premier League if we're talking about physicality," he said. "So it's going to be fit players with stamina, with pace, definitely - and then good enough in all other departments of football.
"In some positions we are looking for physicality; they may lack a bit of first touch and delivery. If you are talking about midfield area, if we want something in midfield, then we would like to add a bit more quality.
"Last year [we had] a great combination with Manu and Payet, not just for the two of them but for the whole team. The whole team was benefiting from that link between the two of them."
Although the Hammers are yet to confirm any deals, Manchester City full back Pablo Zabaleta is odds-on to be named as Bilic's first recruit of pre-season.
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