Former Manchester United defender, Rafael da Silva could join English Premier League outfit this summer in one surprise move. West Ham United are reportedly keen to offer da Silva a swift return to the Premier League.
The Brazilian ended a seven-year association with Manchester United last summer when he switched to French club Lyon in a £2.5m move.
However, according to L’Equipe, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has identified the 25-year-old as the ideal player to ease his problems at right-back, as they painfully eased out of making the Europa League next season despite a strong performance this season. West Ham ended in 7th position with 62 points after losing their last round of games in the Premier League to Stoke City in an away match.
The Hammers were poised to make Europe next season ahead of other contenders but ended up with losing the games leading up to the season end. West Ham lost three games of the last seven matches though they won three as well. The most surprising was their 4-1 heavy defeat, going by their quality, to Swansea City at home.
Losing the last game ensured they threw away their opportunity to either Southampton and/or Manchester United, depending on how The Red Devils game ends. Manchester United are a point ahead even with their final game in hand. Southampton are on the same point with Manchester United but are currently ahead due to goals difference.
In West Ham, Michail Antonio has played in that position over recent weeks, but he is naturally a winger, while January signing Sam Byram has suffered with injuries. Rafael has made 25 appearances in all competitions for his Ligue 1 employers this term and is hoped to cover up the right wing of the defense for The Hammers going into next season.