West Ham United have all but beaten West Brom to the signature of Southampton defender Jose Fonte, who is close to joining the Hammers.
Slaven Bilic is keen to win the race for Fonte, who slapped in a transfer request at St. Mary's earlier this month, and he is closing in on getting his man.
According to the Press Association, Fonte is poised to join West Ham for an initial £8m, with a further £1m in potential bonus payments being built into the deal.
Fonte also had an offer to join West Brom, but ultimately prefers a switch to the London Stadium.
The Portugal international was linked with Manchester United last summer and again this month, while Liverpool were also mooted as interested in securing his services.
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But it is to the London Stadium that Fonte is heading, as he prepares to link up with West Ham.
The centre-back had 18 months left on his contract at Southampton and was keen to move on in search of a new challenge.
He will bolster Bilic's defensive options as West Ham look to push up the Premier League table.
