WEST HAM are ready to make a deadline day bid for Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo, according to reports.

Irons boss Alan Curbishley admits his squad is thing on the ground at centre back after selling Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland last week.

And he is eyeing 27-year-old Stendardo as a replacement.

The Italian spent six months on loan at Juventus last season with a view to a permanent move. But the Turin giants have refused to take up the offer.

A loan move to Upton Park is most likely at this stage for the former Sampdoria and Perugia stopper.