FIVE Carl Jenkinson alternatives for West Ham to consider

It’s safe to say that right back Carl Jenkinson has been a surprise package this season.

Groans and murmurs were a regular occurrence when the England U21 international signed on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season.

Now, ‘Jenko’ has definitely proved his doubters wrong with a string of high quality performances for the Hammers.

His attacking qualities, as well as his work at the back, is truly commendable for a player who was a laughing stock at the Gunners a year ago.

With Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger having a plethora of right back’s to turn to in Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and the emerging Hector Bellerin, does 22-year-old Jenkinson still have a future at the Emirates stadium despite his fantastic displays for the East Londoners.

It would be a great shame if the former Charlton Athletic graduate was to be sent back to the North Londoners and rot in the reserves, but here are five alternatives for West Ham to think about…

Click on Jenko himself to reveal

Sam Byram

With the state that Leeds United are in at the moment off the pitch, right back Byram might want to find a new club in a more stable situation, a bright future and the chance to test himself at a higher level.

Despite being just 21-years-old, Byram has managed to rack up over 100 games for the Elland Road side, and has been regarded as one of the nest right backs in the division since 2013.

Furthermore, the similarities between Byram and Jenkinson are uncanny. Both attack minded full backs; Byram would be a cheaper option then Jenkinson and certainly has the potential to make a great impact at Premier League level.

Kieran Trippier

Depending on whether Burnley suffer relegation or not, getting Trippier on board at the Boleyn Ground should become a priority.

The 24-year-old former Manchester City prodigy has been one of Sean Dyche’s star performers, with the former England U-21 international sticking with the Turf Moor side through thick and thin since 2012.

Trippier’s commitment may be a stumbling block, however, but Trippier now has Premier League experience under his belt and is definitely a good fit for the Hammers.

Santiago Arias

It’s inevitable that many of you will be thinking who is Santiago Arias? However, there is a reason why the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are chasing his signature, because he is a very good right-back.

The 23-year-old originally started his playing career with Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon, but failed to hold down a regular spot, and as a result, made the move to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

Owners David Gold and David Sullivan have expressed their intention of bringing in high profile players ahead of the 2016 Olympic Stadium move, Arias should be high priority on the transfer target list.

Rafael

Many people may think that even attempting to try and persuade Manchester United right back Rafael into a move to West Ham is mad.

However, with Red Devils manager Louis Van Gaal seemingly ousting the Brazilian full back, there is no doubt that there will be a lot of clubs from around the world interested in his signature.

If it’s an attacking full back that the Hammers are looking for, surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, is a reasonably big name has a vast amount of top flight experience and affordable then look no further.

Glen Johnson

Despite Johnson receiving heavy criticism for some of his performances for Liverpool, getting the former England defender back where it all began could be a wise choice.

With the former Portsmouth right-back out of contract in the summer, getting a player on board with the Premier League experience that he has would be priceless.

Just remember, Stewart Downing was in similar form when the Hammers forked out £6m for his services and he eventually got a recall to the Three Lions fold, so why can’t Johnson do the same?