West Ham are set to beat Manchester City to the signing of free agent Royston Drenthe, as manager Sam Allardyce continues his summer shopping.
Hammer time: Drenthe is on Allardyce's radar (Picture: Getty Images)
Former Holland international Drenthe is currently without a club after leaving Real Madrid at the end of his contract last month, and has already snubbed several lucrative offers from sides in the United Arab Emirates.
The 25-year-old, who spent last season on-loan at Everton, is desperate to be given another chance in the Premier League after the Toffees opted not to buy him, following a number of off-field indiscretions.
However, Drenthe impressed in his 21 appearances last term, and has had significant interest from league champions Manchester City, who want left-sided cover.
Drenthe though, is keen to move to a club that represents the best chance of game time, and he sat down with West Ham this week to discuss terms on a three-year-deal.
The powerful wideman who can play at left-back or up front, would be West Ham's eighth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of James Collins, Alou Diarra, Mohamed Diame, Modibo Maiga and goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen, Stephen Henderson and Raphael Spiegel.
But boss Allardyce is not stopping there, with three other signings on the cards before the window shuts next week.
A fourth and final bid is expected to be lodged for Wolves star Matt Jarvis in the next 24 hours, while Fulham's Clint Dempsey is also of notable interest.
West Ham are also considering offering Razak Boukari a deal after he impressed whilst on trial from Rennes.