West Ham United supporters have endured a frustrating summer.
Last season was a real struggle at the London Stadium as David Moyes' side endured a relegation battle.
Thankfully for fans, their post-lockdown form was enough to get themselves out of trouble.
The hope was that this summer would see them kick on and move away from the relegation battle, but that hasn't really happened.
High profile outgoings such as Pablo Zabaleta, Grady Diangana and Jack Wilshere are concerning for the club, particularly when compared with the distinct lack of incomings.
Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal arrived at the club earlier in the summer, but that hasn't stopped the club from looking at further additions.
As well as searching for a central defender, the Hammers are in the market for an attack-minded left-back as they look to continue their summer rebuild.
Several players have been linked with a move to the club, but with the Irons now limited to signings from the EFL it seems that a new target has emerged.
According to the Daily Mirror (print edition, 5/10, page 42), West Ham United are interested in a move for Ryan Manning.
The Queens Park Rangers man has been hugely impressive in the Championship for Mark Warburton's side.
A Republic Of Ireland under-21 international, Manning started his career as a central midfielder but has moved to the role of left-back during the last two seasons.
This has seen him really kick on and establish himself as one of the best attack-minded defenders in the league.
Valued at £2.16million by Transfermarkt, Manning has less than a year remaining on his contract in west London which means that he could be allowed to leave QPR for nothing next summer.
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This would be an interesting one.
West Ham United are desperate to sign defensively solid players and that's why they're being linked with so many players.
I'm just not sure that Ryan Manning is the right option.
Described by Mark Warburton as someone 'who trains exceptionally well', the 24-year-old would certainly offer an offensive threat to David Moyes' side.
But there's no doubt that he's defensively suspect.
In my opinion, a move to the Premier League might be a step to far for the makeshift defender and that's something to keep in mind.
In the final year of his contract, a move for Manning would be relatively cheap to do and that could be very appealing for West Ham.
I'm just not sure that he's a player who can improve on what they already have at the club.