AVRAM GRANT will look to dip into the transfer market when the window re-opens at midnight on Friday in attempt to bolster his squad and make it fit for a survival dogfight.

Midfield is the area most in need of attention, with Grant having to contend with a number of injuries.

Only a makeshift central player was on the bench for the draw against Everton on Tuesday in the shape of Jonathan Spector, with the likes of Valon Behrami, Mark Noble, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Jack Collison all still out.

Grant admitted it is a tight budget that he will be working with in January but Upton Park is likely to be a hive of activity, with Steven Sidwell expected to sign from Aston Villa when the transfer window opens.

“We didn't have a midfield player on the bench and it doesn't make it easy to work with,” said Grant.

“We want a few more players in more areas because we have a few long-term injuries, but the owners are doing their best in a very difficult financial position to make the team stronger.”

Arguably the team's biggest game of the season to-date awaits the Hammers on Saturday, with fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers the visitors to the Boleyn Ground.

A win would put daylight between themselves and Mick McCarthy's side, while Fulham, Birmingham City and Aston Villa are three of the teams that will be in their sights.

Behrami faces a race to be fit for the weekend's game, while defender Herita Ilunga is likely to miss out after hobbling off against Everton.