West Ham are in the hunt to sign left-footed attacker Hatem Ben Arfa from Paris Saint-Germain, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claims that the Hammers have been sounded out about signing the 30-year-old in the New Year.
It is understood that the winger will be allowed to leave French giants PSG either on loan or a free transfer in January after a dispute.
The report details that Premier League club Leicester are lining up a January swoop for the former France international.
Ben Arfa has not made a single appearance for PSG this season after falling out of favour with manager Unai Emery, but has shown elsewhere his individual quality.
PSG have put together a star-studded squad together recently and are now regarded as a European giant that are one of the favourites for this season’s Champions League competition.
Good move for West Ham?
West Ham certainly need some reinforcements in January to help them avoid relegation and making a move for Ben Arfa would have an element of risk.
The wide man would not be initially fit given his omission from the PSG squad this campaign and the Hammers will need someone to make an immediate impact.
However, a couple of seasons ago he scored 18 times in 37 appearances for Ligue 1 side Nice and can be clinical in front of goal.
He also has experience in English football given his time with Newcastle and Hull, but may be somewhat of a controversial character as his current situation suggests.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
With Ben Arfa set to leave PSG in the January window there is a decent chance of West Ham landing the Frenchman, but league rivals Leicester could perhaps have the edge.
Current Foxes boss Claude Puel was in charge of Nice during Ben Arfa’s brilliant goalscoring form and could be a big factor in any return to England.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10