West Ham chief David Gold has likened Alvaro Arbeloa to former Birmingham City fullback Steven Carr.

Gold wrote for whufc.com: "Alvaro brings with him a wealth of experience and I am sure someone like Sam Byram will relish the chance to learn from one of the best right backs in recent years.

"I can remember when we were in charge of Birmingham doing a similar kind of deal when we signed Steven Carr.

"Steven turned out to be a fantastic signing and was my player of the season. There is absolutely no reason why Alvaro cannot do the same."