According to Sky Sports, West Ham are closing in on signing Kevin Malcuit from St. Etienne for a fee believed to be £10 million.

What's the word?

Looking at West Ham's side this season, you have to say one area sticks out more than the others as their weak spot.

That, of course, is at right-back where they have chopped and changed more than most this year in trying to find an option that works.

Sam Byram should be there most of the time, but he has had serious injury issues throughout his West Ham career and a more reliable option is needed.

Indeed, Alvaro Arbeloa was meant to help out in that regard but he's hardly featured either leaving the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate to have to fill in.

Malcuit seems to have a position ready made for him, then, and at 25-years-old he is approaching the peak of his powers. That, coupled with the fact he has European experience suggests he'll be a decent player, then, but let's take a closer look.

A good move?

More detailed inspection backs up initial impressions that the defender should be a hit with the Hammers.

He is a right-back by trade but can go down the left, too, and that could come in handy if Aaron Cresswell doesn't rediscover his form.

He has four assists to his name this season, too, suggesting his willingness to get forward with him known for an ability to beat his opposing man and deliver the goods.

If he can translate that into the Premier League, then the men from east London could be on to a winner.

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