West Ham wrap up Enner Valencia deal, subject to work permit

Enner Valencia (L) in action for the Ecuador national team

Ecuador striker Enner Valencia is all set to put pen to paper on a five year deal that will see the hitman join West Ham United.

The Pachuca striker came to the fore after bagging three goals for his national team in the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil.

The Hammers have released an official statement regarding the transfer on their website, saying: “West Ham United are delighted to announce that exciting Ecuador international forward Enner Valencia will become the club’s fifth summer signing, subject to a successful work permit hearing,” a statement on the West Ham website read.

“Valencia, who impressed hugely in scoring three goals for his country at the World Cup finals in Brazil, will join West Ham on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.”

West Ham were looking at alternative options to Andy Carroll, who missed a huge chunk of last season owing to injury, leaving the Hammers with the with an ineffective list Carlton Cole, Modibo Maiga and Kevin Nolan to choose from.

Sam Allardyce is believed to have paid somewhere near to the £15 million they shelled out for Andy Carroll to acquire the services of the Ecuadorian.

On clearing of all regulation regarding a work permit, the striker will represent West Ham’s fifth signing of the summer which will see Valencia join the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Diego Poyet and Mauro Zarate at Upton Park.

STORY: Enner Valencia will become the Hammers fifth summer signing, subject to a successful work permit hearing #COYI pic.twitter.com/qauvXHBOA7

— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) July 17, 2014