Rice replacement close to signing

Ajax are close to agreeing a proposal from West Ham for midfielder Edson Alvarez. The Declan Rice replacement is close to signing, and has reportedly already agreed personal terms. The news was broken this morning by ITK Fabrizio Romano and numerous other media outlets.

This will come as a huge relief to many of us who had become increasingly concerned with the clubs transfer inactivity. Alvarez is believed to be keen to join the Hammers, which makes a nice change from some other recent targets.

Rice replacement close but not completed. West Ham have reportedly agreed personal terms with Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez

The 25 year old is believed to be running down his contract at the Dutch club. As a result, The Hammers have been pursuing the player who had also interested Dortmund and Chelsea.

Chelsea made a move for Alvarez last summer but saw their £43 million offer rejected. The player allegedly went strike in an attempt to force through the move to West London. Seemingly the rift between Ajax and the player remains, hence his eagerness to leave Holland.

With personal terms agreed, it’s now down to the clubs to find an accord on the transfer fee. Earlier this week Ajax agreed to sign West Ham target Carlos Borges. Many had believed the Manchester City winger was close to arriving at The London Stadium. However the deal was scuppered at the last minute as the Dutch club made a more attractive offer to agent and player.