Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez would be an outstanding addition for West Ham United, Pete O'Rourke has claimed.

What's the word?

Hammers captain Declan Rice has been strongly linked with a move away this summer, and the club would need a top-quality replacement for a player of his calibre.

They have recently been linked with Alvarez, and the Mexico international could become their top target if Rice leaves at the end of the season.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O'Rourke stated that the 25-year-old would be an excellent signing for the Hammers and cited Chelsea's previous interest as an indicator of his quality.

"He'd be a brilliant signing if West Ham are able to do that one.

"He's a top player, a Mexico international, played in the Champions League on a regular basis for Ajax.

"Chelsea really considered a move for him in the summer transfer window but the move didn't happen, so that shows the calibre of the player, that you've got top clubs like Chelsea after him."

A perfect replacement?

The Mexican has played 122 games for Ajax, predominantly as a defensive midfielder, and could slot straight into Rice's role behind Lucas Paqueta and alongside one of Tomas Soucek or Pablo Fornals.

Both players are of the same build, with Alvarez measuring at 1.87m compared to Rice's 1.88m, so considering his experience, he could potentially replace his physical presence in front of the back four.

A deal could be pricey given that Chelsea had a £43m bid rejected in the summer, but if West Ham were to receive a large fee for Rice, they would be able to afford a big-money replacement - and Alvarez would arrive as a player with Champions League and international experience.