West Ham are suffering something of a defensive crisis at the moment and manager Sam Allardyce is reportedly looking to both Manchester City and Newcastle United to strengthen his back line.
In Newcastle’s 3-1 Premier League win at Upton Park last week, West Ham were forced to play left-footed Matt Taylor at right back, with the former Portsmouth man someone who’s much more comfortable further up the pitch.
With centre back Winston Reid still on the treatment table, the Hammers are looking to patch up the heart of their defence.
One option is Manchester City and England defender Joleon Lescott who is currently out of favour at the Etihad Stadium.
The experienced campaigner could be available on loan until the end of the season, with the London Evening Standard reporting that the 31-year-old would then be offered a three-year deal in the summer if he helped keep West Ham in the top flight.
Another option is Newcastle’s very own Steven Taylor, who himself isn’t in his manager’s strongest starting XI and would command a lower salary.
Alan Pardew has been forced to use Taylor in recent weeks due to the injury suffered by captain Fabricio Coloccini and Mathieu Debuchy’s suspension, but his long-term future looks bleak.
Lescott vs Taylor – now there’s an interesting match-up!
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Not sure Taylor would be jumping at the chance to go get battered by Carroll again
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