West Ham United are preparing for what could be a very long, hard season.
The Irons have been on a steady decline for several years now and almost found themselves in a precarious situation last.
But for a late run of form from Michail Antonio, David Moyes' side could have found themselves relegated as it took until the penultimate game of the season to secure their safety from the drop.
That was a real warning sign for West Ham and the hope was that the club would take heed and kick on this summer.
Unfortunately quite the opposite has happened.
The Hammers have made just one signing so far this summer in the shape of Tomas Soucek who arrived at the club following his loan from Slavia Prague.
In contrast, the exit door has been far more busy.
Albian Ajeti, Carlos Sanchez, Pablo Zabaleta, Roberto and Jordan Hugill all left the club over the course of the summer, while the sale of Grady Diangana sent supporters and players alike into meltdown as the decision to offload arguably their most talented asset.
Two defeats from two Premier League games has only gone to show that the team needs to be strengthened, but so far there's been no real signal of intent in the transfer market.
At least that was the case until now.
Reports from The Guardian have claimed that West Ham are interested in a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Chelsea midfielder has fallen way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge meaning that he could be available for a move.
While the Blues are reluctant to let him go permanently, it's suggested that a loan move could be on the cards for the England international.
However West Ham face significant competition with Aston Villa also said to be interested in a move for the powerful midfielder.
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This would be a much-needed move for West Ham United.
Valued at £21.6million by Transfermarkt, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a player who would undoubtedly be an asset for David Moyes' side.
Buying the player seems like it would be out of the question, however, with the Hammers seemingly reluctant to spend big.
A loan move could be the only viable option for West Ham to pull off a deal like this.
The only other option is using the midfielder as part of a deal to offload Declan Rice to Chelsea.
Frank Lampard's side seem determined to strike a deal sooner rather than later, and rather than gunning for cash it might be better for West Ham to try and get a quality player or two in return.