West Ham United are now “looking to sign” Barcelona and Spain footballing icon, Jordi Alba.

That is according to Sport Witness, who have relayed a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, detailing information surrounding the potential shock move.

The report states that Spain international Alba has his “days numbered” at Camp Nou with the Blaugrana keen to solve this situation before the January transfer window.

His current deal will see his contract expire in 2024, and whilst the report claims that he does not want to leave the club, Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany are “looking for a way out” as the 33-year-old does not fit in Xavi’s plans.

With Alba’s high salary now said to be a problem, Barcelona are “listening to offers”, which is where the interest from the Hammers has commenced.

According to the same piece, West Ham see the signing of Alba as a defence bolstering addition, with the side keen to add competition for Aaron Cresswell at left-back.

Shock move for icon

With over 440 appearances for Barcelona and a further 110 or so for Valencia, 33-year-old Alba has had a sensational career at the very pinnacle of the game.

He is one of the icons that have reimagined the role of the full-back, with Alba essentially acting as a second-winger for the Spanish giants throughout his ten-year spell.

Which is why a lack of minutes in the Catalonia region will have come as a shock to the £186k-per-week star, especially considering his 12 attacking returns from 30 La Liga appearances last season in the form of two goals and 10 assists.

Alba has been a consistent contributor to Barca, with his returns serving as a welcome supplement to the side over many seasons.

Sharing the role with 19-year-old Alex Balde will not appeal to such an elite figurehead at full-back, so a move elsewhere makes sense.

Whether West Ham can tempt him to the London Stadium is a different matter, but the signs are promising, with the club registering their interest early on.