Next signing imminent

Swiss defender Fabio Daprelà should sign for West Ham United this weekend, according to his current club.

gcz.ch - the website of Swiss outfit Grasshopper Club Zurich - reports today that the 18-year-old full back will sign for United this Saturday, assuming an impending medical goes through without a hitch.

"The Grasshopper Club Zurich thanks Fabio Daprelà for services rendered," read a brief statement, "and wish him well for both his professional and personal future."

The two clubs have agreed a nominal fee and Daprelà - who is contracted to Grasshoppers for another year - will join up with his new colleagues a fortnight ahead of the new Premier League season. He is expected to play understudy to first team left back Herita Ilunga.

West Ham confirmed last night that the deal was close to completion, a statement on whufc.com confirming that "Switzerland Under-19 left-back Fabio Daprelà could also arrive this week."

Daprelà has spent the last six year with Grasshoppers and has been a member of the first team squad since the summer of 2008. He represented his country at the European under 19 Championships in Ukraine earlier this year.