Enner Valencia’s switch to West Ham came a step closer today as the player went through the first stages of his medical procedure at the club.

However, it will take up to 36-48 hours for the deal to be sealed – assuming there are no snags or breakdowns!

ClaretandHugh can reveal that the contract has been sent the player’s South American lawyers but time differences will delay completion – or otherwise.

In the meantime Valencia has had scans and blood tests at Chadwell Heath with a full medical booked for later at Holly House.

Despite on line reports the deal has been done, ClaretandHugh can reveal that there is still “some way to go.”

An  Upton Park insider released to us exclusively the procedure involved and the stage we are currently at in negotiations.

He said: “We are 36-48 hours away at best given the time differences.However, we havestarted the medical procedures today which invovle scans, blood tests and such like.”

“The contract has now been sent to lawyers in South America who are five hours behind and obviously there are discussion to take place and the normal time taken to respond in such situations.”