West Ham promised supporters they would be more competitive following their move to the London Stadium but the Hammers fell well short of their lofty expectations last season, fighting off relegation and finishing outside of the top-ten.

Major changes are needed this summer to fight back from a disappointing maiden campaign at the home of the 2012 Olympics but West Ham seem to have learned their lesson from last year’s summer transfer window, as the Hammers are not going crazy in the close-season.

Last year West Ham invested heavily to bring an array of players to East London, many of whom came from outside of English football, but the vast majority of their recruits failed to make a lasting impression in Slaven Bilic’s side.

This year, West Ham seem set to focus on securing players with Premier League experience, having already added veteran full-back Pablo Zabaleta to their defensive options, and reports indicate the Hammers are ready to raid Manchester yet again.

The London Evening Standard states West Ham are keen to land England international Joe Hart on-loan for the forthcoming season, as the veteran is surplus to requirements in the eyes of Pep Guardiola, and the 30-year-old would significantly improve West Ham’s options between the sticks.

City would prefer a permanent sale to raise their transfer funds to allow Guardiola further movement in the summer window but options for Hart are limited, with Everton looking set to sign Jordan Pickford and Torino being unable to afford a permanent deal.

That puts the ball in West Ham’s court and Hart will certainly hope to have his future resolved swiftly, as he’s eyeing regular Premier League football that can help him retain his position as England number one ahead of the World Cup in Russia next summer.

West Ham could also benefit from the addition of a defender from across Manchester, as The Daily Star indicates the Hammers are keen on signing Manchester United defender Chris Smalling- who’s first-team opportunities could become limited after the Red Devils’ capture of Victor Lindelof.

Like Hart, 27-year-old Smalling is seeking regular first-team football to improve his chances of securing a starting berth in England’s squad next summer, whilst his position in Gareth Southgate’s squad altogether is in jeopardy due to the rising form of the likes of Michael Keane, John Stones and Rob Holding.

Mourinho is reportedly open to parting ways with Smalling this summer and he, along with Hart, would be an excellent addition to West Ham’s ranks and the duo would be the sort of signings that would help the Hammers achieve their lofty ambitions.