According to Football League World, there has been a development as West Ham United eye new defenders following an injury to Angelo Ogbonna - and it involves Queen's Park Rangers' Rob Dickie.

The Lowdown: Ogbonna blow confirmed...

After West Ham's 3-2 victory over Liverpool just before the international break, supporters were immediately brought back down to earth as the club confirmed a huge blow to Ogbonna.

The Italian, who has started every Premier League game for David Moyes this season, will now be ruled out for the foreseeable future after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury against the Reds.

This has prompted fears that West Ham may now be short in the centre-back department, with Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop the only options as things stand.

Moyes' men are still fighting on all fronts and also face a congested fixture schedule upon their return from the international break.

Sharing news on how the Hammers could reinforce that position in January, FLW have a development involving in-form Championship defender Dickie.

The Latest: West Ham could now turn to Dickie...

As per their sources, Moyes 'could turn to the Championship' to bolster West Ham's options with both Dickie and Middlesbrough mainstay Dael Fry attracting interest.

Indeed, West Ham have even already 'made checks' on the duo, with the former in particular 'standing out' as one of the English second tier's 'best central defenders'. The 25-year-old has taken 'serious strides' under QPR boss Mark Warburton this season, prompting the Irons to stand up and take notice.

The Verdict: Good option?

Players who aren't necessarily big names can often go on to become revelations, as proved by the signing of fan favourite defender Craig Dawson, which originally raised eyebrows. Taking this into account, we encourage West Ham to leave no stone unturned in search of a capable new centre-back, and Dickie may well be an astute option.

The Championship ace, lauded as a 'quality signing' for QPR by journalist Rob Dilks following his arrival from Oxford United last year, has only gone on to justify that billing. Over 17 league starts, the colossal 6 foot 4 defender has averaged an impressive four aerial duels won per 90 - far more than any West Ham player in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Furthermore, only three Irons players have averaged a higher rate of tackles per 90 this season compared to Dickie (two), an indicator of his tenacity in defence.

It is unclear how much QPR may demand for the 25-year-old's services in January, but he could come as a shrewd option to cover Ogbonna.

In other news: 'Huge'...Sky Sports pundit thrilled as West Ham eye 'massive signing' for Moyes, find out more here.