Despite saying he's happy with the existing squad cover, fans may suspect he is considering his comments carefully so as not to harm dressing-room confidence. Meanwhile he is probably as scared as the rest of us at the prospect of being left with a skeleton defensive cover that includes Scotland captain Christian Dailly.
Over recent days links with 22 yr old Spurs academy graduate Stephen Kelly have resurfaced, and most recently the name of Belenenses' defender Pele who was a reputed Hammers target in the Summer.
Meanwhile rumours of a move for Nigel De Jong have been quashed after his move to Hamburg and 27 yr old polish full-back Marcin Baszcyznski - who came to England for a trial at the Boleyn - returned after the Wisla Krakow manager decided he would like to hang on to the player.
Pardew is presently setting up young Welsh defender James Collins for a covering role at right-back having him play this position in the Reserve side. And whilst the press continually hint at Christian Dailly's inclusion in the first team Pardew has gone on record that he doesnt think much of his defensive capabilities; comments which could point to James Collins' promotion to the role.