WEST HAM are believed to be holding talks with Chelsea's Paulo Ferreira over the possibility of bringing the defender to Upton Park.

The Hammers are thin on the ground at full-back, with Swiss international Valon Behrami looking more suited to a wide midfield role and skipper Lucas Neill looking off the pace.

And Portugal international defender Ferreira could be an ideal signing.

The 29-year-old has been with the west Londoners for four years and has made over 100 appearance for the club since joining from Porto in a £13.2million deal. He signed a new five-year contract earlier this year.

However, he has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of compatriot Jose Bosingwa, also from Porto.

Currently, a fee is not being mooted for the player in the reports, although a loan switch would appeal to both clubs.