Jose Enrique
Jose Enrique is currently a free-agent. Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • Hammers are looking to sign a replacement for Aaron Cresswell.
  • Alan Pardew managed the Spaniard during their time at Newcastle.
  • Tony Pulis already tried to sign the 30-year-old left-back during last summer's transfer window.

Former Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique is being tracked by West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and West Ham United, with the Spaniard available on a free following the expiration of his contract at Anfield. However, IBTimes UK understands the Premier League trio could face competition from La Liga, with Malaga and Espanyol eager to offer him a return to his homeland.

The 30-year-old defender has enjoyed a memorable career in English football ever since Newcastle United signed him from Villarreal in the summer of 2007. He moved to Liverpool four years later in a deal worth around £7m ($8.3m), but following two impressive seasons on Merseyside he found his progress hampered by a string of fitness issues.

The Spaniard recovered from his injury woes last season, but struggled to convince either Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp that he deserved a first-team berth. The club consequently opted against renewing his contract at the end of the campaign.

Jose Enrique, who was also linked with a return to Newcastle in January, has since been approached by a number of clubs, but is yet to decide on his next destination. He is understood to be seeking regular game-time, with plans to recapture the form he showed at the height of his Liverpool days.

IBTimes UK can report that West Brom are one of the teams most eager for his services, after Tony Pulis previously tried to secure his signature during the end days of last summer's transfer window.

Palace are also linked with a move, as Alan Pardew knows the player well from their time together at Newcastle. Jose Enrique would be expected to fight with Pape Souare for a first-team spot in south London.

West Ham are the latest name linked, after Aaron Creswell suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season that could keep him sidelined for the Hammers for up to four months. Norwich City duo Martin Olsson and Robbie Brady have been suggested as potential signings, but Slaven Bilic is also considering the Spaniard as a possible new recruit.

Back in Spain, both Malaga and Espanyol are tracking the situation. The clubs have both appointed former Premier League managers in recent months, in the shape of Juande Ramos and Quique Sanchez Flores, and the pair believe that the player's experience in English football could translate well to the new La Liga season.