West Ham United may have picked up a massive, euphoric win at the weekend but that was just one step in their quest to become a real force in the English Premier League.

Bilic's side have struggled at times this season and haven't settled into their new home at the London Stadium as much as the club's hierarchy would have hoped.

One of the biggest problems the Hammers face is their lack of options on the right-hand side of defence. Sam Byram has missed the majority of the season through injury, Alvaro Arbeloa has also struggled with fitness and Havard Nordtveit is not a natural in the position whatsoever.

Michail Antonio has done a fantastic job from wing-back, but it's clear his strengths lie in his attacking prowess, not his defensive capabilities.

This has left the Irons with a lack of depth and a lack of quality when operating with a back four, something Bilic must surely be looking to address.

Here are FIVE emergency right-backs that the Irons boss should consider in this transfer window...

Branislav Ivanovic

At the age of 32, and with just six months left on his contract, it's unlikely that Ivanovic's time at Chelsea is going to last much longer.

However, he most certainly could do a job for a team like West Ham. His experience is almost unmatched, with 375 appearances for Chelsea and eight major honours with the club, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles.

He's robust in defence, especially in the air, but also possesses attributes that would be a positive in an attacking sense.

If Bilic can do the deal then he'd be an excellent option.

 

James Bree

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Barnsley's James Bree (L) in action with Fleetwood Town's David Henen
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If West Ham want to go down a different route and offer the chance to a player not established in the Premier League then Bree could be their man.

The 19-year old Barnsley right-back is having a terrific season in the Championship after helping his side up from League One last season.

He has excellent potential and is a rough diamond ready to be polished by Bilic.

With close to 60 professional appearances under his belt at Barnsley, the time could be right for him to make the step up to a bigger club.

Joel Veltman

Veltman of Ajax is a right-back that would add immediate quality to right-hand side of West Ham's defence.

The 25-year old Dutch international is a regular for the Amsterdam side and has been in superb form for them this season in both the league and Europa League.

If West Ham are looking for the finished article with plenty of playing years ahead of him then he is the one to go for.

He's played close to 150 games for the Dutch giants with 30 of them coming in Europe. If West Ham want to take the next step over the next couple of seasons and make an impact in the Europa League then that kind of experience is vital.

Cuco Martina

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Southampton's Anthony Nwakaeme in action with Southampton's Cuco Martina 
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Martina arrived at Southampton from FC Twente in 2015 but hasn't managed to force his way into Claude Puel's first-team plans since the departure of Ronald Koeman.

Martina offers solid defensive attributes and has versatility too - he's able to fill in on the right-hand side of a three-man defence or even as a defensive midfielder.

He's a player who would add genuine depth to the position and provide significant competition for the returning Byram.

A move to the London Stadium would present a fresh start for the player and he would be eager to prove he has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League after his difficult time so far with Saints.