West Ham United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
Once the Hammers sold Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m, there was an assumption that they would press on with strengthening their squad.
However, the Europa Conference League winners currently remain without a first-team addition just five days before they begin the new Premier League campaign against Bournemouth.
Reports have suggested that manager David Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten have not seen eye to eye over a number of potential deals, leading to what appears to be an impasse.
Most notably, West Ham have failed to secure the services of Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, Steidten allegedly not being as enthusiastic about the transfer as Moyes.
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Nevertheless, while the East Londoners are said to have walked away from that scenario, it appears that Moyes will soon finally have a new midfielder at his disposal.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have been able to reach a verbal agreement over the transfer of Alvarez.
Over the weekend, the Mexico international was said to have agreed personal terms with West Ham, leaving the teams to negotiate a fee that suited all parties.
Romano says that West Ham have committed to paying between £34m and £35m for the 25-year-old, who is also capable of being deployed in the centre of defence.
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If West Ham can get a deal over the line, it would represent a considerable coup for the club ahead of their return to the Europa League, reward for winning European football's third-tier competition in June.
Alvarez chipped in with three goals and three assists in 31 outings in the Eredivisie during 2022-23, while 13 strikes and six assists have come from 147 appearances in all competitions.
A year on from his failed move to Chelsea, Alvarez has been linked with Borussia Dortmund, yet it appears that West Ham have emerged as his chosen destination.
If signed before Friday, Alvarez could come into contention for the trip to the Cherries, joining Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta and Flynn Downes in the midfield ranks.
Darren Plant
