West Ham are looking to beat Crystal Palace to the signing of Flynn Downes from Swansea City.
Downes was a boyhood West Ham fan and they have offered £9million plus add-ons, matching the offer on the table from Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old midfielder is valued at around £12million and his departure will pave the way for Swansea to bring in Joe Allen.
The 32-year-old Wales international Allen is a free agent after leaving Stoke City.
West Ham manager David Moyes has moved for Downes as he needs competition after seeing a £20m offer for Lille's Amadou Onana rejected.