West Ham sign Ligue 1 duo, Burnley defender and Championship keeper in dream XI if transfer rumours are true

West Ham are set for a summer rebuild under Graham Potter as a new era arrives at the London Stadium. The former Chelsea and Brighton boss has an eye for youth and could make drastic changes to a somewhat ageing Hammers squad.

Potter brought in Evan Ferguson on loan during the January transfer window and recalled James Ward-Prowse but those appear just temporary solutions to some of the problems at West Ham. Speaking about the football he wants to play in his first Hammers interview, Potter said: “Enjoyment is important, and I think if the players are enjoying themselves, that can help transmit enjoyment to the terraces. You have to look like you want to play football, because at the end of the day we’re in a fantastically privileged position. That’s something I’ve believed in through my entire career.

“I think football’s about balance though, and I don’t think you can talk about attacking football if you’re not stable at the back or defensively sound. So, we need to make sure we’re doing that.

“Ultimately, you have to look at the players and think about how you can get the best out of them, and play to their strengths. Nobody’s perfect, so we have to cover each other, work as a team and work as a unit.”

LondonWorld looks at current West Ham transfer rumours to see what the dream starting XI could look like next season if links come true.

Championship centre-back arrives at London Stadium

GK: James Trafford

Centre-backs: Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Maxime Esteve

Alphonse Areola has returned to first choice under Graham Potter having been ousted by Lukasz Fabianski earlier this season. The Polish shot-stopper is now 39 years old and the Hammers boss is surely going to want a younger option to challenge between the sticks. talkSPORT name Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford as a target.

Potter likes to play three centre-backs and the club has an obligation to make Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan permanent this summer. He’ll continue to partner £40 million man Max Kilman, who is finally settling in at the London Stadium. Aaron Cresswell has been a solid third man in the formation but, at 35 years old, could be replaced by Burnley defender Maxime Esteve - Alan Nixon has named the Hammers as potential suitors.

Wing-backs: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ollie Scarles

Defensive midfielders: Tomas Soucek, Angel Gomes

The width in Graham Potter’s system comes from the wing backs. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed since joining from Manchester United and young Ollie Scarles looks to have a bright future, as well as being the type of player the new manager appears to love.

Keeping hold of Tomas Soucek will be pivotal this summer for the deeper midfield roles, he’s still a bit of a Rolls-Royce in the centre of the park. West Ham seem desperate to sign Angel Gomes as a free agent when he leaves Lille at the end of the campaign. That would be some coup, but West Ham aren’t the only ones negotiating with the player as Tottenham Hotspur are also linked.

West Ham beat Chelsea to Lille free agent

Attacking midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen

Striker: Jonathan David

Potter’s 3-5-2 system would require Mohammed Kudus to play a slightly more central role but the winger is capable of that. He needs to find his shooting boots again but there’s so clearly a talented player there. Little needs to be said about the prolific Jarrod Bowen, whose versatility is such an asset.

West Ham need a bagsman. Again, it seems pretty evident that their number one target is Jonathan David. The player’s agent was spotted at the London Stadium earlier this month and the player is keen on the Premier League, but Chelsea and Newcastle United are also linked.

In other news, this is how West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fare in a new look Premier League table without VAR.