Six right-backs West Ham should target this summer

Right back could arguably be considered our most problematic position of recent years.

West Ham have seen plenty of right backs come and go with mixed success but none have really set the world alight.

Then last season we secured the season-long loan services of Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson which proved to be a shrewd piece of business. Jenkinson provided a capable balance of defensive solidity and attacking threat.

However, the expiration of his loan coupled with releasing Guy Demel worryingly leaves Joey O’Brien as the only right back on our books.

Therefore, in my opinion, we need to add two right backs to our squad as O’Brien is nowhere near good enough to be considered for the first team…

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Carl Jenkinson

 The obvious option is to resign Carl Jenkinson, either on permanent terms or another loan.

Contrasting reports have emerged over the season; some claim that Jenkinson is surplus to requirements at Arsenal – as he is below Mathieu Debuchy, Callum Chambers and Hector Bellerin in the pecking order – but some say that Arsene Wenger is reluctant to sell the England U21 international.

Jenkinson is settled here so West Ham would be his preferred destination if he was to leave the Gunners but if Arsenal insist on a price upwards of £6m, then we may have to strike another loan deal or opt for cheaper alternatives.

Kieran Trippier

Kieran Trippier looks set to leave relegated Burnley amidst a wave of Premier League interest.

He has been the standout performer for Burnley this season and is reportedly available for just £3.5m due to a release clause in his contract.

We might have to fend off interest from a number of rivals for his signature but the 24-year-old would be a fantastic signing for that price.

Micah Richards

It is no secret that we have been long-term admirers of Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

It looks unlikely that the former England international will be offered a new contract when he returns from a loan stint at Fiorentina and we could therefore snap him up on a free transfer.

He may be a risk considering his lack of game time in the last two years but the 26-year-old has bags of experience in both the Premiership and Europe.

Wages have been a stumbling block in the past but Richards may be desperate for a deal and West Ham could be the perfect match for him.

Glen Johnson

Rumours of a Glen Johnson return have sparked debate and split opinion.

Personally, I am sceptical. But on a free transfer – if his wages are reasonable – he might be a cheap option to have as cover.

He has international and European experience and would qualify as a home-grown player.

I would not like to see Johnson return as a regular starter in our side as I believe we can do better but we need two right backs ideally and he is undoubtedly an improvement on Joey O’Brien.

Pavel Kaderabek

An alternative option is Sparta Prague’s Pavel Kaderabek.

The 23-year-old is also reportedly wanted by Southampton and Schalke.

He has seven international appearances to his name and might prove to be a cheaper option than Carl Jenkinson.

Sam Byram

Another option is Sam Byram of Leeds. He has been attracting attention from the Premier League for years and could be another full back (like Aaron Cresswell) that is ready to jump up from the second to the first tier.

The 21-year-old already has more than 100 league appearances to his name and is reportedly admired by Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton.