Labant to become a Hammer

The Sparta Prague defender has decided to head for London, despite his current side's impressive form in the Champions League, and he will link up with goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko and international colleague Tomas Repka.

The left back had arrived in England for talks and, although Glenn Roeder initially denied any move was imminent, the transfer should be sealed in a matter of hours.

"Labant is a left-footed player who can play at full back, wing back or left side in a 4-4-2," Roeder told Czech agency Idnes.

"He is a tall, athletic player who has played in the Champions league for the past two seasons.

"I watched him do well for Sparta Prague against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, and he played well against Arsenal last season."

Although Labant suffered a broken leg some time ago, he should have no problems with the medical and is expected to be unveiled as Roeder's latest capture.

Planetfootball.com broke the news that the Hammers boss was at De Kuip watching potential targets, and it was the 27-year-old Slovakian who jumped to the top of his hit-list.