David Moyes is intent on bringing Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse to West Ham for the new season, but it is understood the club's recruitment team has been attempting to put longer-term options forward.
The discussions have fed into reports of growing tension at the Europa Conference League winners, as they still have not spent any of the £105m brought in for Declan Rice, and are the only Premier League club to not yet make a signing.
Moyes, buoyed by bringing in the club's first trophy for over three decades, feels he should be backed with targets he wants and has specifically named Maguire and Ward-Prowse.
West Ham would be willing to do the deal for the deposed Manchester United captain if they can get him for £20m, but the Old Trafford club are holding out for north of £30m.
Maguire himself has up to now been willing to fight for his place, but may have to accept reality if the club accepts an offer.
Ward-Prowse is in a different position given Southampton's relegation, and he does have a few suitors.
Moyes, of course, admires his dead-ball delivery, in a team that specifically attacks through set-pieces.