by Lewis Ambrose

Carl Jenkinson enjoyed a great campaign on loan at Upton Park last season, so it is no surprise to see West Ham co-chairman David Gold confirm the club are interested in the defender again.

Jenkinson played 36 times for the Hammers last season, featuring in 32 Premier League games. With such regular football the right-back impressed, looking steady defensively and being used as a strong outlet going forward.

Now the club would like to have him back for another year.

“We are very working hard to try and get Carl back here,” Gold told radio station talkSPORT.

Jenkinson has just represented England at the u21 European Championships where, despite a disappointing group stage exit, he was one of the more impressive English players.

The 2016 Euros next summer could, if he has another strong season, be a possibility for Jenkinson with Roy Hodgson bereft of quality right-backs.

Back at Arsenal Jenkinson would face the challenge of usurping Héctor Bellerín and Mathieu Debuchy, so it is in the best interest of everyone to see him head out on loan again.

Europe

Gold also mentioned the need for a deeper squad, which Jenkinson would add to along with current sumer signings Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet.

“We recognise this is an important season for us and being in Europe we will go the extra mile to ensure we have got the strongest possible squad we can muster,” said the co-chairman.

West Ham see their season kick-off on Thursday evening with a Europa League qualifying round game against Andorran side FC Lusitans, and it clear they will need a bigger squad if they are going to compete in Europe and stay in the Premier League ahead of next summer’s move to the Olympic Stadium.