West Ham are looking set to land Jose Fonte after Sky Sports revealed that they are in advanced negotiations with Southampton ahead of a potential move this month.

Fonte has been courted by several clubs since he came back from Euro 2016, and having handed in a formal transfer request at St Mary’s, he looks set to be on his way within the next two weeks.

The Hammers are in desperate need of some defensive inspiration, having been in poor form at the back for the entirety of the season so far.

Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport

Although Slaven Bilic’s side are currently placed higher on the Premier League table than Saints are, the move will come as a shock to many given Fonte’s ambitions to seek one last pay packet before his retirement.

Fonte has been with the club for seven years since his move from Crystal Palace, but his tenure on the south coast looks to be swiftly coming to a close.