After a phenomenal first season in charge at West Ham, it would not be unfair to say that the second year has not gone quite as planned thus far for Slaven Bilic's men.

A humiliating Europa League defeat to Romanian outfit Astra was followed by a dire start to the Premier League campaign with plenty of losses and goals shipped.

There were (remarkably) even some whispers of 'Bilic Out' starting to brew among a faction of West Ham fans with a very short memory (perhaps they need reminding of the Glenn Roeder or Avram Grant eras).

Back-to-back league wins have appeased the Hammers, though, and the club has climbed to 15th in the table.

One of Slaven Bilic's main successes at West Ham has been his recruitment. The Croatian boss has brought in the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio - who have all drastically improved the squad.

Perhaps in January he will look once more at the successes that Aaron Cresswell and Antonio have had since their switches from Championship sides and dip into that market again.

Here are FOUR players from the second tier that Bilic should be keeping his tabs on...

Robbie Brady

West Ham were linked with a summer move for Robbie Brady and they should relaunch this bid in January as he is an ideal capture for the East London outfit.

The Republic of Ireland international is able to play at left back, anywhere across the midfield or in an advanced midfield role and this versatility would be a useful asset for Bilic.

The 24-year-old is too good for the Championship and is likely to have many Premier League suitors this January.

Dominic Iorfa

West Ham failed with a deadline-day loan bid for Wolves' young star Dominic Iorfa, even though it was suggested that Iorfa fancied the move.

The 21-year-old shows extreme maturity and leadership at the back already and can operate as a centre-half or as a right back.

The Irons would probably start him as a full back then move him into the middle as he developed but the England under-21 international already has over 75 senior appearances for Wolves.

Anthony Knockaert

It appears that Gokhan Tore's disastrous loan spell at the London Stadium could get cut short and Anthony Knockaert would be an ideal replacement.

The Frenchman is a tricky winger who provides Brighton's best-attacking option and possesses a deadly left foot.

Chancel Mbemba

Slaven Bilic has a very good starting centre-back partnership in Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna, but the back-up is the sometimes erratic James Collins and the young, raw Reece Oxford.

Chancel Mbemba would add experience (despite still being only 22) of Europe and the Premier League whilst also providing a solid option at the back.

The DR Congo international would probably cost a fair amount but he is too good to be playing in the second tier and West Ham never really replaced James Tomkins.