OPINION
West Ham must be wondering what they have done to anger the footballing gods after seeing a whole host of injury blows strike down their stars in the early stages of the season.
With Manuel Lanzini already ruled out for much of the campaign after his severe blow on international duty over summer, Carlos Sanchez and Andriy Yarmolenko have joined the Argentine, as well as Jack Wilshere, Winston Reid and Andy Carroll, in the treatment room for the long-term – potentially even for the season.
It means that Manuel Pellegrini has a lack of midfield options at his disposal and will no doubt be looking to strengthen the centre in the January window.
One man who could end the club’s woes and bring some proven Premier League and international quality to east London is Burnley’s Jeff Hendrick, who would be a surprise capture for the Irons were they to swoop.
However, as much of an unexpected signing he might be, it would not be too difficult to do, with the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international set to see his contract expire in the summer of 2019 (source: Transfermarkt).
With 41 caps for his country, as well as 75 Premier League appearances, Hendrick is a ready made fit for the top flight and the fact he has appeared nine times for the Clarets this season show that he could prove to be a low risk, high reward capture.
West Ham know they need a midfielder and as a versatile option, with an ability to play in both a defensive and attacking role in the centre, Hendrick ticks a lot of boxes.
A bargain raid in January? It would make a lot of sense.