The Transfer Tavern has seen its fare share of surprising transfer stories in recent years, but this one might just be the most shocking yet…

If a report by the Sun is to be believed, Juventus could be ready to loan defender Patrice Evra to West Ham – in a move that has come completely out of the blue for the Hammers in the Transfer Tavern.

An experienced veteran, the fans in the Transfer Tavern thought they had seen the last of the ex-Man Utd man in the Premier League, but it would appear as though Slaven Bilic is ready to give the Frenchman another chance in the Premier League.

The news has brought a bit of a mixed reaction in the Tavern, with many doubting whether he can still do it at 35-years-old – but our landlord is all for the deal.

He thinks that Patrice Evra would be an excellent signing for West Ham, and he can think of a few fairly convincing reasons why.

With that said, here are 2 reasons West Ham simply must sign Patrice Evra in January…

 Quality

You don’t play for the likes of Man Utd and Juventus unless you are a quality player.

Sure, he isn’t a youngster anymore – but he was a regular for one of Europe’s best sides in Juventus a few months ago, so there can be no doubting how good the defender is.

This is particularly significant when you consider that many of West Ham’s players are in poor form – and so Evra could be a welcome boost for Bilic.

If it doesn’t work out, then he can go back at the end of the season. No loss for Slaven…

  Experience

At 35-years-old, Patrice Evra is certainly not a long-term option for Slaven Bilic – but he is certainly an experienced one.

As aforementioned, the Frenchman has played for Juventus and Man Utd at the highest level, but he’s also won a host of trophies along the way and played with some of Europe’s most impressive players.

Evra has done it all over the length of his career, and that will be absolutely vital for West Ham as Bilic looks to put off the threat of relegation and ensure his team improve in the Premier League.

His experience would be vital in an inexperienced side.