World Cup winner Alvaro Arbeloa is set to join West Ham as Slaven Bilic looks to wrap up a deal for the free agent.
The left back will act as a mentor for Sam Byram rather than a direct replacement for the young defender.
It is thought that Arbeloa's signing will also facilitate Michail Antonio playing further up the pitch where he is most effective.
Arbeloa has immense pedigree both with Real Madrid and Spain, having won the World Cup in 2010.