West Ham to confirm centre back signing

West Ham is expected to announce the signing of Corinthians centre-back Fabian Balbuena within the next week The 26-year-old will be travelling to London to sign paperwork and will be confirmed by the club subject to international clearance and a work permit appeal.

The Hammers have met the 26-year-old defender’s release clause reported to be 4 million Euros (£3.5m).

A statement from the Brazilian club earlier this week confirmed his release fee had been met by saying

“The amount offered was the same as the amount required by the other party in the contract renewal, signed two months ago.

“The defender is already cleared for medical examinations for a transfer to the London club.”

The defender has been a key man for Corinthians since joining them from Libertad in 2016. The centre-back has played 136 times for the  Brazilian team helping them to win the title for the last two seasons.