WEST HAM have reportedly lined up Arsenal defender Johan Djourou as a replacement for Anton Ferdinand.

Although the 21-year-old Swiss international has earmarked this season as his breakthrough at the Emirates, he has fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United.

And the Hammers - who sold 23-year-old Ferdinand to Sunderland this week - are said to be keen to take the centre back on and are willing to use all of the £8million received from the Ferdinand sale.

Djourou spent much of last season on loan at Birmingham and was tipped to go on loan to French outfit Rennes this season to gain first team football.

But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger may decide to cash in on the youngster if the price is right.