Nuno Espirito Santo clearly loves working with players he trusts and is reportedly eyeing another reunion at West Ham in addition to a move for Adama Traore.
While it is far from ideal to change manager just five games into a new season, it does at least give Nuno Espirito Santo the chance to properly assess his West Ham squad before the January transfer window.
One thing has become perfectly clear already for the Hammers this season, they did not do enough business in the summer.
West Ham desperately needed to sign a young, powerful, pacy striker who can lead the line for years to come.
Instead they went out and got free agent Callum Wilson, who turns 34 this season, to add to the slow and immobile Niclas Fullkrug.
Nuno wants another reunion at West Ham after Traore
Had Wilson arrived in addition to a younger forward it would have been a savvy signing.
But the Irons look desperately short up front.
That’s why Nuno must use two of his West Ham holy trinity in new positions.
The new Hammers boss will also be well aware he is an injury to Jarrod Bowen or Crysencio Summerville away from potential disaster as things stand.
Hammers News confirmed West Ham will back Nuno in the January transfer window once the Portuguese has assessed what he needs.
It was revealed Adama Traore is a big target for Nuno at West Ham in January.
One of the reasons Nuno fell out with Forest chief Evangelos Marinakis and sporting director Edu was because they blocked his move for Adama Traore over the summer.
Now Nuno wants another reunion at West Ham after Traore but there’s one problem.
Besides defending set-pieces, anyone watching West Ham’s draw with Everton on Monday night will know Nuno’s biggest problem.
Fullkrug had another very difficult night and simply has not adjusted to the pace of the Premier League.
The big German works hard for the team and a run of games may be what he needs to find his feet.
But the decision not to go out and get that younger forward is already biting West Ham hard.
Nuno wants Wood at West Ham but there’s one problem
Many fans feel the Hammers would have won at Everton if they had a sharper forward leading the line.
By signing Wilson, West Ham at least ensured their bogeyman would not be scoring against them this season.
Now another striker who has been a thorn in West Ham’s side all too often is in their sights for the new manager.
Chris Wood has eight goals and two assists in 17 games against the Irons.
Football correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed to Hammers News that Wood may not be in Ange Postecoglu’s plans at Nottingham Forest and could be available in January.
He has revealed West Ham and Nuno are keeping tabs on the situation with a view to a move as soon as the window opens.
At 33 and not exactly the quickest striker in the Premier League, Wood is hardly the young, pacy forward West Ham need.
But Hammers News understands there is genuine interest in a deal given Wood may not be in Postecoglou’s plans.
West Ham would be looking to do a straight loan or loan with option.
Wood may be about to turn 34 in December but he has proved much more durable than Fullkrug and Wilson.
The Kiwi scored 20 goals last season, 15 the season before that and already has three this term.
The thinking behind the move is clear, especially with Nuno looking at Traore too.
West Ham Wood deal may be scuppered by Postecoglou sacking
West Ham want someone they can play off to get up the pitch using the pace of the likes of Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, Traore and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
But equally someone who can then get in the box to finish moves off, something Wood has proved he is excellent at over the last few seasons.
West Ham believe there is one major issue which could scupper any deal, though.
That Wood now looks almost certain to outlast Postecoglou at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest fans made it clear what they think of the ex Spurs boss after six winless games to start the post-Nuno era.
West Ham will love what Forest supporters chanted during their latest defeat in the Europa League in midweek.
There are no widespread reports Postecoglou will be sacked if Nottingham Forest lose to Newcastle.
A new manager may well insist on keeping Wood so West Ham’s plan for a short-term solution may end up in tatters.
Therefore the Hammers will be watching the Postecoglou situation with interest.
