West Ham United are reportedly close to signing experienced Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa on a one-year contract.
The 33-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Real Madrid earlier this summer and it is understood that he is keen on a return to England, where he spent two seasons with Liverpool between 2007 and 2009.
According to Sky Sports News, the experienced defender, who can operate on either side, has arrived in England to discuss terms with the Hammers, who have reportedly thus far been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Micah Richards from Aston Villa.
New England squad member Michail Antonio has been forced to operate at right-back for West Ham this season, while it is understood that Sam Byram has failed to impress head coach Slaven Bilic since arriving from Leeds United.
Arbeloa made 233 appearances for Real Madrid during his second spell with the Spanish giants, but he only featured nine times last season before departing on a free transfer at the end of the 2015-16 campaign.
Matt Law
