West Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani has confirmed the club are closing in on the £5million capture of Lazio defender Valon Behrami.The Switzerland international is believed to have held talks and undergone a medical at Upton Park after informing Lazio of his desire to the leave Serie A.

Reports have suggested Behrami was ready to invoke article 17 of FIFA's rules, which gives players nearing the end of their contracts the right to move on without costing a fee, to secure the move to Upton Park.

However, Nani says the two clubs are hoping to reach a satisfactory agreement that does not involve article 17.

"I hope the negotiation will be concluded," Nani told the Italian press.

"We have worked to do what is possible for a solution that doesn't consider FIFA article 17."

West Ham are believed to be ready to pay a fee in the region of £5.2million to sign Behrami.

More Football News from TEAMtalk