By Jonathon Longdon

According to reports David Moyes, wants to sign a pre-contract agreement with 21-year-old Jonathan Bamba before his contract comes to end in the summer.

It’s part of a Moyes plan to rebuild the claret and blues in the close season.

There’s a long way to go before West Ham can call Bamba their own. Saint-Etienneare hoping to offer him a new contract that will keep him in France, while Crystal Palace and Huddersfield are also said to be interested.  Newcastle may also be poised to put in a bid.

Bamba is a home-grown talent. He joined the Saint-Etienne academy back in 2011 and rose through the ranks to make his first team debut in Ligue 1 on the 25th January 2015. His first league goal came against Nantes and so far this season, the young player who can play both in central attack or out wide on either flank, has hit the back of the net six times.

In addition to squad strengthening, West Ham’s manager will need to do the following to enjoy a long tenure…

Moyes must continue to steady the ship

Moyes has got his work cut out and his first  priority though is the here and now, in keeping the Hammers in the Premier League. He is doing well having lifted them from the relegation area to mid table.

David Sullivan, only gave Moyes a contract until this coming summer and has recently gone on record as saying that he hopes the 54-year-old Scotsman will stay as manager for many years to come, and in a step towards giving Moyes more freedom over transfers, is claiming he will become less involved in football matters..

Moyes to draw on his experience his years with Everton

The record that David Moyes has with Everton stands him in excellent stead and he willingly admits that in terms of his transfer aspirations, he will draw on the scouting system he employed with the Toffees.

As former player Tony Cottee said in a recent interview, the future of Davis Moyes will partly depend on the signings he made in January, and the signings he plans to make in the summer.

When Moyes was first appointed, his bullish, no-nonsense attitude worried supporters and it was believed that both co-owners, David Sullivan and David Gold were set on dispensing with his services when the current contract expires.

But things have now changed. The strictness that Moyes has brought to the team, and the lifting of the club’s place to mid-table, have worked strongly in his favour.

Legends to give team talks

The latest backroom tactic that Moyes is employing is going down well too – with both players and supporters alike. He is inviting ex-West Ham players and legends to give talks to the players about their performances and to underline what it means to play for the club.

Hammers legend Ray Stewart – a recent interview subject revealed news of the tactic. It’s shows thinking outside the box and demonstrates a willingness to identify with the Hammers heritage.

Bracing for the tough games ahead

The Hammers have a difficult last few games but Moyes can instill the discipline and confidence required to meet the challenges and his a long-term future as manager  will be assured.