COMMENT By Will Butcher

West Ham would solve their goalkeeping dilemma by bringing veteran goalkeeper Rob Green back to east London from Championship outfit Leeds.

The Sunderland Echo claim Simon Grayson's Black Cats are looking to pinch the 37-year-old ahead of their Championship opener against Derby County on August 4.

However, bookmakers Bet Victor claim West Ham are joint second favourites to sign Green at a price of 4/1, behind Sunderland who are evens.

They join Arsenal and Middlesbrough at fours, while Bournemouth are slightly back at 6/1 as Green's future at Elland Road remains in doubt following the signing of German Felix Wiedwald.

The Hammers have already completed four signings this summer in proven Premier League talents Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez.

But they could look to add a fifth to give England goalkeeper Hart back-up during the 2017-18 season.

Football Insider believes Green would be the perfect replacement for Hart ahead of the upcoming season for three reasons, including the latest on the future of Adrian:

nextpage

Still a favourite among Hammers fans

Spending six years with the Hammers between 2006 and 2012, Green amassed a huge 241 appearances in all competitions.

Still held in high regard by the West Ham fans, the 12-time England international kept 62 clean sheets during that time, a ratio of more than one every four games.

If brought back to the Premier League side, Green would have the backing of fans and in turn could churn out performances that are worthy of rivalling Hart for the number one jersey.

nextpage

Proven Premier League performer, plus 2016-17 form

Green has plenty of experience in England's top flight, playing 267 matches for the likes of West Ham as well as Norwich and QPR.

In that time, he kept 55 clean sheets and although he is prone to making the odd error, he has proven himself as a goalkeeper that is able to ply his trade to a decent standard in the Premier League.

Likely to be available for a nominal fee due to his age only 12 months remaining on his contract, Green would be a cheap alternative to many in supplying back-up to Hart.

nextpage

Future of Adrian after Randolph departure

The Sun claims both Newcastle and Crystal Palace and are interested in signing 30-year-old Adrian this summer, as they look for a new number one to bolster their options between the sticks.

Following the loss of Darren Randolph who has joined Championship side Middlesbrough, the Hammers need to either keep Adrian or sell him and find a replacement.

With Adrian only promised to be second to Hart, the Spaniard could leave and Green would offer strong cover to Hart.

In other West Ham transfer news, Bilic has reacted to the transfer situation regarding striker Ashley Fletcher.

We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all West Ham breaking news