Hammers hopeful over Behrami

Nani expects Behrami deal

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 21st July 2008

Valon Behrami Lazio

Behrami: Set for West Ham

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West Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani has confirmed the club are closing in on the signing of Swiss defender Valon Behrami.

Behrami's agent told skysports.com last week that West Ham had made a move to sign the Lazio full-back after he caught the eye of Alan Curbishley at Euro 2008.

The 23-year-old is believed to have held talks and undergone a medical at West Ham after informing Lazio of his desire to leave Serie A.

Reports have suggested Behrami was ready to invoke article 17 of Fifa's rules, which gives players nearing the end of their contracts the right to move on without costing a fee, to secure the move to Upton Park.

However, Nani says the two clubs are hoping to reach a satisfactory agreement that does not involve article 17.

Hopeful

"I hope the negotiation will be concluded," Nani told the Italian press.

"We have worked to do what is possible for a solution that doesn't consider Fifa article 17."

West Ham are believed to be ready to pay a fee in the region of £5.2million to sign Behrami.

Prem W/out Top 4 2008/09 Win Outright: West Ham 20/1