5 Defenders Who Could Sort West Ham Out

West Ham are in a rut at the moment. Just one place outside the relegation zone with ten points, the only thing keeping them out is their goal difference, which is better than Fulham's. Without a win since the start of October, without a point since the start of November, shipping nine goals since their last victory against Tottenham and only scoring two, it is a real sorry state of affairs for the East London club. On paper, they have a good team, but injuries, form and abilities of some players have severely hindered them in this campaign. Because of their relatively dry spell in front of goal, you'd expect me to create a list of strikers that Sam Allardyce could sign but, because I've already covered it, why not develop a list for their other problem area: defence. Who could come in and plug the gap that Winston Reid looks like he'll be leaving through injury?:

1. Antonio Amaya

The Real Betis centre half is one of the top performers in La Liga this season accoring to www.whoscored.com, despite the fact that his club really haven't been. His side currently languish at the foot of the Spanish league and don't look to be leaving anytime soon. You might think, 'what would West Ham want with another relegation battler?' Well, Amaya has been one of the few shining lights in the Betis side this season. If he joined a team like West Ham, who aren't far away from having a solid defence, then we can see why I and other websites rate him. He also adds experience due to his age.

2. Matthias Ginter

If West Ham are looking at young centre-backs to provide depth then Ginter could be their man. I literally just provided a little segment on him in my last article, about teenagers who could move to the Premier League soon. He could well make that a reality if West Ham is the kind of club that interests him and providing the London-based club want him.

3. Naldo

The big (and I mean big) Brazilian centre-back has been very good for Wolfsburg this season and, like Amaya, has been one of the top performers in his league. He's been at the club for just over a year and, despite experiencing a dip in form before his move, he has certainly regained it in the past few months. West Ham need an experienced centre-half to lead them out of a trouble as well as keeping the fear factor in their game. In that respect, Naldo ticks all the boxes.

4. Cheikhou Kouyate

The Senegalese would solve West Ham's key problems as he's a very good centre-back that isn't like many we see today. Tall but quick along the ground, he's the perfect sweeper in that sense, if that's the system the team plays. He will not only solve the Hammers' key problems but he will also solve problems they didn't even know they had. He's extremely versatile which means he can play multiple positions. A centre-back by preference, he can also play fullback on either side and defensive midfield. In actual fact, he would be a great signing for any Premier League club.

5. Salvatore Bocchetti

The Spartak Moscow centre-back has enjoyed the past year or so of football as his form has greatly picked up for the Russian side. If he fancies a new challenge at the age of 26 then I'm sure he'd consider West Ham if they were interested. He is a traditional centre-half with a few years experience under his belt, which would make him a smart signing if you ask me.