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English Premier League: West Ham move closer to triple transfer announcements

By Shanith de Mel

ROME, ROME - APRIL 22: Felipe Anderson of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Ivan Strimic of UC Sampdoria during the serie A match between SS Lazio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on April 22, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
ROME, ROME - APRIL 22: Felipe Anderson of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Ivan Strimic of UC Sampdoria during the serie A match between SS Lazio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on April 22, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images) /
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Having finalized the signing of Jack Wilshere on a free from Arsenal, West Ham are busy once more. The Hammers are on the verge of at least three more signings.

It’s heady times at West Ham, with the oft-derided owners David Gold and David Sullivan finally delivering on their promise of more investment. Signings are arriving quickly now, with the new season only weeks away. Here’s a profile of three of the likeliest additions linked with the London club.

1. FELIPE ANDERSON- RW- SS LAZIO

This one’s been dominating headlines for weeks in a transfer saga reminiscent of William Carvalho last season. Brazilian winger Felipe Anderson is reportedly keen on the move, and personal terms have long been agreed. Unfortunately, the sticking point for over a month has been the transfer fee, with Lazio demanding well over £40 million.

However, according to multiple sources, including a reputable club insider, the move is now back on after West Ham moved to finalize a record fee with the Italians. Manager Manuel Pellegrini reportedly was adamant that the club buy the Brazilian trickster, and it appears he’s finally got his man. Watch this space, but the move is looking more likely than it has over the last month.

The move is a 7/10 on the transfer rater.

2. ANDRIY YARMOLENKO- RW/LW- BORUSSIA DORTMUND

This transfer has been rapidly developing in the last few days, with confirmation expected soon. Yarmolenko only signed for the German giants last summer for £23 million, but appears to be on the move again. The Ukrainian had a mixed spell at Dortmund, scoring and assisting 14 times in 36 appearances across all competitions. The winger is tall and strong -in the Arnautovic mold- but is slower and an erratic finisher.

West Ham is linked with a £17.5 million move and the player has reportedly undergone a medical already. Yarmolenko’s agent even posted a picture of West Ham’s hotel in Switzerland, signaling that the move is imminent.

This one’s looking likely. 9/10 on the transfer rater.

3. FABIAN BALBUENA- CB- CORINTHIANS

Balbuena’s possible transfer looks virtually complete, with his Brazilian club Corinthians all but confirming the move. West Ham has reportedly met the Paraguayan’s £3.5 million release clause, and the defender is on his way to London to finalize the move. The 26-year-old is one of the Brasileirão’s best defenders and is a real coup at such a low fee.

Next: The Hammers sign Jack Wilshere on a three-year-deal

Balbuena enjoyed a consistent 2017 campaign, scoring six times in 38 appearances, and lead Corinthians to a 7th title. He has appeared 14 times so far this season and will arrive fit and ready to slot into the Hammers’ threadbare defence. West Ham will now have to finalise personal terms and get a work permit before announcing the signing.

9/10 on the transfer rater.

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