West Ham United are reportedly keen to offer Rafael da Silva a swift return to the Premier League.
The Brazilian ended a seven-year association with Manchester United last summer when he switched to French club Lyon in a £2.5m move.
However, according to L'Equipe, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has identified the 25-year-old as the ideal player to ease his problems at right-back.
Michail Antonio has played in that position over recent weeks, but he is naturally a winger, while January signing Sam Byram has suffered with injuries.
Rafael has made 25 appearances in all competitions for his Ligue 1 employers this term.