Here are 2 AFCON stars for West Ham to watch out for

Lamine Kone

West Ham have struggled defensively at times this season and, although they have improved somewhat since they went to a back three, they are still conceding a few too many goals.

Their tally of 31 is only one goal fewer than the worst defensive record, held by Hull, and it looks like Bilic sees Sunderland’s Lamine Kone as the answer to his issues.

The Ivorian international almost joined Everton in the summer, but pulled the plug on the deal to sign a new contract at the Stadium of Light, but now it looks the Hammers will attempt to meet his reported release clause in January.

Kone will be at the African Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast next month, and it remains to be seen whether West Ham get a deal done before he joins up with the national team.