West Ham United have a huge rebuilding task ahead of them as they prepare for a first season in the Championship since 2011/12.
Following confirmation of their relegation, talk immediately turned to their need to balance the books via player sales this summer.
With Matheus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa strongly linked with moves away, The Irons have stepped up their interest in a Hibernian midfielder touted as 'the next John McGinn' by sections of the Hibees fanbase - according to Ben Jacobs.
Josh Mulligan impressed for the Edinburgh based side last term, notching three goals and five assists in 33 appearances, though he draws more attention for his engine and ability to carry the ball.
The 23-year-old has only spent one season at Hibs thus far, having moved from Dundee last summer, and made his debut in the club's Europa League second round qualifying defeat at the hands of FC Midtjylland.
In October last year Scotland came knocking, and Mulligan received his first call up to the senior squad after 16 appearances for the U21's, though he will have to wait for a first cap, as he was an unused substitute when the Tartan Army ran out as 2-1 winners at home to Belarus.
West Ham have displayed a willingness to put their trust in youth, often using one of Freddie Potts, Mohamadou Kante or the aforementioned Magassa as a partner to the vastly experience Tomas Soucek last season.
Nuno Espirito Santo's men appear to be targeting even more youthful exuberance, following links with Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Sunderland's Eliezer Mayenda - who would be expected to hit the ground running while developing into players who are Premier League ready should they achieve promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.
Outgoings are a priority at the London Stadium however, so no official offer has been made for Mulligan, Mayenda or Harwood-Bellis, but they are expected soon as the likes of Bowen, Fernandes, Magassa et al attract interest from the top-flight and Europe alike.
