West Ham are scouring the free agent market for a central defender, having missed out on the signature of Sylvain Distin on deadline day.

Other defensive targets that The Hammers failed to lure to Boleyn Ground before the close of the January transfer window include Marseille’s Matheus Dória and Steven Caulker of Queens Park Rangers.

West Ham’s Director of Recruitment, Tony Henry, has opened a line of communication with Joseph Yobo’s representatives, including sports agent Sine Batimani, regarding the signing of the former Nigeria skipper.

Henry, who was chief scout at Everton prior to being headhunted by West Ham, is full of hope and enthusiasm that talks between the Londoners and Yobo’s camp go smoothly.

Since the stopper has been inactive for close to seven months, West Ham will offer him a contract if he proves he’s in good physical condition.

The 34-year-old has been courted by teams based in the United States of America and Asia after terminating his contract with Fenerbahce in 2014.

Yobo is currently Youth Ambassador for Nigeria President, Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election campaign organization a.k.a Ward-2-Ward.

Warri Wolves defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe was linked with West Ham last month but the transfer failed to materialize.