Hammers close to Basinas deal

West Ham are understood to be closing in on Greek star Angelos Basinas.

The 29-year-old was released by Panathinaikos in September after finally coming to agreement over his contract.

Basinas - one of the stars of the Greek side which surprisingly lifted the Euro 2004 title - has always been strongly tipped to move to England.

Portsmouth almost signed him after his European Championship success, but that move never succeeded - while this summer he agreed terms with Birmingham only for Pana's demands to scupper that move.

Now Basinas - who had, until his release in September, spent his whole career in Athens - looks set to seal his dream move to England.

Sources suggest that Basinas met West Ham officials this week and that a deal of just under ‚é¼1 million per season was agreed.

Basinas, who cannot actually seal his move until January 1, is expected to sign a contract with The Hammers in the next few days.