Upton Clarke

West Ham are believed to be on the verge of signing Stoke City skipper Clive Clarke.

Alan Pardew explained yesterday: "I'm hoping to conclude the deal for Clive by the end of this weekend".

The 25 year-old left back has made in excess of 200 appearances for the Potters having come through the youth ranks. The Dubliner has eleven U-21 caps for the Republic of Ireland and was also given his senior international debut when coming on as a half-time substitute in the 3-0 home defeat to Nigeria back in June.

Although no fee details have yet been released, a number of clubs are believed to have been interested in signing Clarke, most notably Sunderland who are believed to have had a recent bid of £100,000 rejected and it is thought that it will take a sum close to £300,000 to clinch the defender's services.