According to the Sun journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter, West Ham are holding up Sam Byram’s move to the City Ground as they wait to recruit a replacement.
The full-back is believed to be Aitor Karanka’s preferred choice to strengthen the right-hand side of defence, but if a move for the 24-year-old continues to be held up, who should the manager be considering as possible alternatives?
Here are a couple of potential options:
Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham)
A very talented right-back, the 21-year-old is available on loan, reports Football.London, despite recently signing a new three-year contract. He is currently behind both Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier in the pecking order at the Premier League club and would benefit from more regular first-team football.
Although certainly less experienced than Byram, he looks to have the potential to be a better player than the former Leeds defender, and there are no doubt a number of Championship clubs looking at bringing in the England Under 21 international.
Jonjoe Kenny (Everton)
Like Walker-Peters, he is a regular fixture in England’s Under 21 squad, but the right-back was given a fair amount of game time last season in Everton’s first-team due to Seamus Coleman’s absence through injury.
However, the return of the Irishman to full fitness meant he was rarely selected by Sam Allardyce in the last couple of months of the season.
Things may change under new head coach Marco Silva but he’s unlikely to be first choice ahead of Coleman next campaign. With Mason Holgate and Cuco Martina also capable of playing in Kenny’s position, a loan spell away from Goodison Park could be on the cards.
Byram still looks to be the likeliest candidate to be recruited by the club, but it’s always good to have other options if this prolonged loan transfer isn’t finalised soon.
