West Ham’s recent campaign can be described as nothing else but a shambles. However, one positive thing that did arise from it was the signing of Demba Ba and while the Senagalese striker did not fire the Hammers to safety, his individual record was a roaring success.

The 26-year-old joined the club in January in what only can be described as fortuitous circumstances, after Ba’s move to Stoke fell through at the last minute following a failed medical. West Ham opted to take a risk and land the talented striker in a transfer that is believed to have cost an upfront payment of £500k, which then could increase to £6m depending on Ba’s success.

It could be said that the deal was something of a bargain, as Ba went on to score seven goals in just thirteen appearances for the struggling Upton Park outfit. He proved a real handful for opposition defences and following the club’s relegation, it’s no surprise to see many reports linking him with a move away from the club.

The strongest rumour at the moment surrounds a possible transfer to Everton as David Moyes looks to beef up his strike force on a limited budget. It’s widely thought that Ba has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for a cut-price fee should the club be relegated – which could allow Moyes to swoop very soon.

However, West Ham will do everything in their power to try and persuade their star man to stay and they have already reacted venomously to Sunderland, who are another side supposedly tracking him. Hammers’ chiefs have reported Steve Bruce’s side to the Premier League over allegations of an illegal approach although since that news, rumours have since died down over Sunderland’s interest.

Of course, Ba may not be the only player leaving Upton Park. They have already lost the highly rated Matthew Upson, while there are strong rumours that Scott Parker, Rob Green and Carlton Cole could be following him out of the door shortly.