Francois Clerc

West Ham boss Avram Grant is set to bolster his defence with the signing of French right-sided defender Francois Clerc from Lyon.

The 27-year-old has been at Lyon almost his entire career and has eleven France caps to his name.  An attacking minded defender, Clerc is out of contract this summer and West Ham are keen to bring him to Upton Park on a free transfer, according to the News of the World.

Clerc would bring experience and solidity to a West Ham defence that hasn't truly replaced Lucas Neill following his transfer to Galatasaray last season.

Although renowned as a technically sound player, Clerc has fallen out of favour at Lyon over the last couple of seasons and made only eight appearances for the French side last term. 

The Hammers have already made several signings this summer, including Pablo Barrera and Frederic Piquionne.