Bilic confirms two players could leave in January

“I can’t say I like this window but it can work for you and one or two of the right players coming in can change the face of the team,” Bilic told the London Evening Standard.

“We will hopefully do some business in January – not too much but maybe enough to strengthen two or three positions.

“We have three players going to the Africa Cup of Nations, so that is a factor, but if we are fortunate with injuries during that time we are okay in terms of quantity. There could also be one or two going out but let’s wait and see.”

With Sakho ruled out of the ACON Cheik Kouyate, Andre Ayew and Sofiane Feghouli will be those missing in January and early February.

The tournament will be hosted in Gabon between 14th January – 5th February 2017 meaning all four could miss league games against Palace, Middlesbrough, Manchester City and Southampton.

The two outbound players are thought to be loanees Simone Zaza and Álvaro Arbeloa. Both had season long loans but West Ham will look at ending both deals at the half way point.