West Ham are on the hunt for a new defender in the winter window it seems and one name that has been linked with a move to the club is Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth.

However, a report has emerged from EXWHUEmployee stating that a deal for the player might not happen in the winter window - meaning that David Moyes may have to look elsewhere for recruits in their backline.

Even if the player can't agree a deal to make the move to the Hammers in the transfer window, they may still be best served looking in the EFL for another defensive option. Moyes has turned to the other leagues in England for options previously and it could be a good move for him again.

But which players could he target then as he looks for more defensive options?

Rob Dickie - QPR

Dickie is another Championship defender that has looked impressive so far this season - and at 25-years-old he has plenty of room as a player to get even better if given the chance in the Premier League.

After playing in over 100 games for Oxford and impressing at that level, it was the Hoops who gave him the chance to try his luck in the second tier. He's continued to thrive even at a higher level and it shows that he is well capable of getting better and better.

He also may not be too expensive either - so could be a shrewd and cheap option for West Ham in the winter window. QPR won't want to sell an important player, especially when they're in the middle of a push for the play-offs, but if a solid bid comes in then they may have to consider it.

Dickie can also even contribute upfront, with two goals and an assist this season - and it means he could be a useful player for West Ham to sign.

Paddy McNair - Middlesbrough

Another option - albeit one that is slightly older than Dickie - is Paddy McNair of Middlesbrough.

He, like the QPR defender, is important to his current side so they won't want to sell him. The 26-year-old could therefore cost slightly more and would be a harder transfer to manage but if a sizeable offer came in, then Chris Wilder may have to consider it.

One thing that McNair does have in his favour is versatility. Not only can he play in the centre of a defence but he can also play in a holding midfield role or in the centre of the field. It means that not only could he be a valuable option for the Hammers at the back but he could also offer them a fresh face in the middle if needed too.

McNair also has Premier League experience previously for Man United - so a move up to the Premier League wouldn't be a huge change for the player and he could easily step into a role if needed straight away for David Moyes.

Rarmani Edmonds-Green - Rotherham/Huddersfield

If the club want to look even lower down the football pyramid, then Rarmani Edmonds-Green could be an option.

The thing with signing a player currently playing in League One is that a jump up to the Premier League is much bigger than merely one from the second tier. However, he is only 22-years-old and has already impressed on loan in the third tier - so looks like he has the potential to become a solid defender at a higher level.

He's also played at Huddersfield previously too, meaning he does have the experience of Championship football. He could be cheap and he could also be one for the future - so if the Hammers just want a potential option or one that could end up becoming a key player for a small fee, then he could be the one to move for.

Edmonds-Green is a bigger gamble in terms of defensive signings - but his age and performances so far means he could have a high resale value for them.