West Ham are on the verge of completing a permanent £10.5million capture of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain after the Hammers keeper enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.
The Hammers are set to wrap up the transfer early next week with personal terms between the club and the 29-year-old almost concluded, as reported by The Sun, but yet to be formally agreed.
Areola has been loaned out to several clubs since signing a professional contract with PSG in 2009, but thrived at West Ham last season – making 17 appearances for the side. That included 11 outings in the Europa League, before the club crashed out in the semi-finals against eventual winners Frankfurt.
The Frenchman reportedly peeked the interest of Newcastle but interest cooled once the north-east side announced a deal for Nick Pope from Burnley.
Areola made just one Premier League start last season but his impressive form on the European stage means he is now expected to challenge West Ham and Poland number one Lukasz Fabianski in goal at the London Stadium.
The 29-year-old began his career with PSG in 2012, but has struggled to become a regular No 1 keeper and has instead been forced to gain experience on loan.
Areola made 11 appearances in the Europa League last season as West Ham crashed out in the semi-finals following a penalty shootout with eventual winners Frankfurt
He has featured on loan for Real Madrid, Villareal, and Fulham over the past seven years and was keen on joining West Ham permanently after a successful season filling the number two spot at the club.
Manager David Moyes wants to add a goalkeeper to his side that could challenge Fabianski with Areola deemed the perfect appointment.
