West Ham are reportedly hoping to bring Rio Ferdinand on board to stem the tide

Slaven Bilic's job is not in danger - so they say - but he is being encouraged to hire one of the club's former players to solidify the West Ham defence.

Only Swansea have conceded more goals in the Premier League this season than the Hammers and club officials have told Bilic to consider bringing Rio Ferdinand on board to offer his defensive expertise to the players. The Telegraph report that Ferdinand is in the running to become the London club's new part-time defensive coach after offering to help out the side for whom he made over 150 appearances at the beginning of his career. The potential hiring of the former England captain was discussed at a Monday meeting which saw Bilic receive the club's backing but also warned that he needed to turn results around. After a stellar campaign last season which saw the Hammers finish in seventh place, just four points off of the top four, they are struggling massively this term and find themselves just one point above the relegation zone with a significant injury crisis. Ferdinand is not thought to be offering his services as a full-time coach as he is enjoying his time as a pundit for BT Sport but he is willing to impart some of his wisdom on a back four that just hasn't clicked this season and is shipping goals at an alarming rate. Catch up with this week's episode of Football Friday Live