According to L’Equipe, reported West Ham United target Seko Fofana is on the verge of joining Lens in a £9 million deal with his medical scheduled for Monday.
The Udinese midfielder recently told the Gazzetta dello Sport of his plan to move clubs.
Fofana has long been linked with an exit from Udinese, with speculation increasing last January.
According to GianlucadiMarzio, West Ham were keen with Fofana valued then at £17 million.
The global health pandemic, however, has impacted finances and the summer transfer market with Fofana set to switch clubs for a far cheaper fee.
L’Equipe say Lens have struck a deal in the region of £9 million plus bonuses.
Fofana, a rangy box-to-box midfielder, was on the books of Manchester City between 2014-2016. He drew comparisons with City favourite Yaya Toure.
This season he has grown into a top player, posting three goals and seven assists in 24 Serie A starts while averaging 1.6 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game (Whoscored).
West Ham did manage to strengthen their midfield with the arrival of Tomas Soucek in January.
But the Hammers face a potential long-term problem with Mark Noble turning 33 this year and the excellent Declan Rice continuing to attract suitors.
David Moyes must look at adding a new midfielder this summer. Fofana, however, is now out of reach so the east London club will have to set their sights elsewhere.
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