West Ham completed another season-long loan deal for Carl Jenkinson a few weeks back and it was arguably our best piece of business so far in this window.

However, we are still significantly light in this position. Whereas Aaron Cresswell – at left-back – has able and upcoming deputies in Stephen Hendrie and Lewis Page, our back-up options on the right side of defence are less than desirable.

After Guy Demel was released at the end of last season, Joey O’Brien is now the only other recognised right back on our books.

O’Brien’s versatility would make him a useful addition for a Championship side but he is simply not good enough for the standard expected of West Ham.

Kyle Knoyle and Alex Pike are both showing signs of promise but they are far from ready for the first team.

Reece Burke and James Tomkins have both played at right back before but looked less comfortable than in their natural central position.

I appreciate that a reserve right back should be lower on our priority list than a goalscorer and a wide man, but as things stand we are set to start Joey O’Brien against Arsenal on the first game of the season because Jenkinson will be ineligible to play against his parent club.

So here are five right-backs that we should consider this summer and if not, then maybe in January…

CLICK HERE TO REVEAL
[interaction id=“none”]

Sam Byram

Sam Byram, of Leeds, has been a long-term admirer of a number of Premier League clubs.

Having previously been linked with him, these rumours are bound to resurface whilst he remains at Leeds.

Byram has been with the Championship outfit for ten years and has made over 100 league appearances at the age of just 21.

The Essex-born, Yorkshire-raised full-back can also play on the wing and is considered one of the football league’s best young stars.

Play Fantasy Premier League? Join our league using the code below…

158621-42719

[interaction id=“none”]

Luis Advincula

Peruvian international Luis Advincula recently caught the eye with some glittering performances in the Copa America.

The 25 year-old has also been previously linked to a switch to West Ham. The Hoffenheim defender spent the last season on loan at Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, who were desperate to re-sign him.

Advincula wants to take a step-up in his career and a season shadowing Carl Jenkinson before taking the reins as starting right back could be a mutually beneficial transfer.

Play Fantasy Premier League? Join our league using the code below…

158621-42719

[interaction id=“none”]

Rafael

This would be an ambitious move but the Brazilian full-back seems to have fallen out of favour at Manchester United.

Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian look likely to be the preferred choices at right-back and Rafael may therefore have to search for pastures new.

Although it is unlikely that he would want to come as a back-up to Carl Jenkinson, it may be a wise move for the future – should Arsene Wenger continue to stubbornly block our attempts to sign Jenkinson permanently.

The other stumbling block with this move is the transfer fee and the wage demands but it is worth keeping in mind as a future investment.

Play Fantasy Premier League? Join our league using the code below…

158621-42719

[interaction id=“none”]

Cyrus Christie

Cyrus Christie’s career trajectory has taken a sharp upward curve in the last two seasons.

Having played over 100 league appearances for his hometown club Coventry City, he switched West Midlands for East Midlands last summer by joining Championship promotion contenders Derby County.

Christie proved to be a solid regular starter for the Rams and West Ham were sniffing around him towards the end of last season.

The Republic of Ireland international is fast and versatile with a strong tackle and would benefit greatly from deputising for Jenkinson for a season before being promoted to the first team starting line-up.

Play Fantasy Premier League? Join our league using the code below…

158621-42719

[interaction id=“none”]

Chris Solly

Charlton’s Chris Solly is another Championship right back widely expected to make the step-up to the Premier League one day.

West Ham have been linked with the 24-year-old before and with Charlton not looking likely to win promotion any time soon, he may be tempted by a move up a tier.

The Charlton vice-captain can also operate in midfield and across the back line which would make him a useful addition to the squad.

Solly already boasts over 175 senior appearances for the Addicks and his experience would prepare him for the step up to Premiership football.

Play Fantasy Premier League? Join our league using the code below…

158621-42719

[interaction id=“none”]