With form declining of late, the World Cup break comes at an admittedly opportune time for David Moyes and his West Ham United team.

Having lost their last three in the Premier League and been dumped out of the EFL Cup by Championship opposition, it has hardly been the season Hammers fans would have wanted after reaching a European semi-final last season.

Despite investing heavily in the summer, it seems that some weak links still remain in the squad that the Scotsman will want to fix as soon as possible to avoid a potential relegation battle.

That could, therefore, explain the recent reports linking the east London outfit with a move for Barcelona’s talismanic full-back Jordi Alba.

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, the Irons are looking to sign the Spaniard, of which the Catalan club are listening to offers in an attempt to get the £349k-per-week defender off their wage bill.

Despite his seniority, the 33-year-old still remains one of the better attacking full-backs in world football. This is outlined in his inclusion in Spain's squad for the trip to Qatar.

He would provide an instant upgrade on the somewhat underperforming Aaron Cresswell, whilst adding a leader into the dressing room, who has won almost every competition available to him.

In 18 appearances this season the Liverpool-born ace has just one assist, with his depreciation exacerbated after his two red cards in the Europa League cost them a place in the final.

Meanwhile, Alba ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90, which is likely what helps him sit in the top 9% for assists too.

Dubbed an "animal" by former Hammers striker Jordan Hugill, he clearly boasts a wicked left foot for deliveries, but having featured in numerous legendary Barcelona teams, he will also have a quality on the ball far surpassing anyone already at the London Stadium.

To get him to join West Ham would mark a sensational coup, and would instantly revitalise their attacking options on the left flank. He also ranks in the top 7% for shot-creating actions across Europe, which would supplement the new arrivals in Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta.

Their recent presence in European competition of late will likely hold weight in convincing the Spaniard to make the move, and should they accomplish it, he would likely join as one of the most decorated figures ever to grace the club.

It would also mark a massive Cresswell upgrade, which arguably has been sorely needed for some time now.

Despite hardly being a long-term solution, surely Moyes would not turn up his nose when a player of this quality becomes available.