Hammers chase Chalme

West Ham have been linked with a move for Lille defender Mathieu Chalme.

The 25-year-old full back is a fixture in Claude Puel's team and has caught the eye with a string of consistent performances.

The Hammers are understood to have been impressed with the defender's displays in this season's UEFA Champions League, as he was part of the rearguard that shut Manchester United out in both Lille's games with the Premiership giants.

West Ham boss Alan Pardew is keen to bring another defender to Upton Park before the transfer window closes having seen Tomas Repka return to his native Czech Republic with Sparta Prague.

They have been scouring Europe for reinforcements with Rennes' Jean Perrier-Doumbe and Portuguese starlet Pele both having come under their glaze.

However, they look set to be disappointed in their pursuit of Chalme with Lille determined to hang on to the full back until the summer at least.

The Hammers also took a shine to Chalme's team-mate Nicolas Fauvergue, a young striker, but ultimately opted to push the boat out for Dean Ashton.