West Ham United are close to signing Leicester City centre-back Wout Faes after reaching a verbal agreement overnight with the Foxes, according to transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri.
The 28-year-old is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Hammers at the London Stadium.
Talks between the two clubs progressed quickly in the final days of the transfer window, with West Ham acting decisively to strengthen their defence.
Faes, who spent the second half of last season on loan at AS Monaco in Ligue 1, returned to Leicester earlier this summer.
With the Belgian now in the final year of his contract, Leicester paved the way for a permanent exit once West Ham proposed an acceptable financial package.
Known for his aggressive tackling, aerial ability, and progressive passing, the Belgian centre-back provides manager Nuno Espirito Santo with valuable defensive depth.
Faes’ arrival should help offset recent departures at the back, with Jean-Clair Todibo’s future uncertain. His Premier League experience should also help ease his transition.
For Leicester, approving Faes’ departure helps reduce the wage bill as they prepare to rebuild in League One.
The Belgian leaves the King Power Stadium having made significant appearances in both the Premier League and Championship since joining from Stade Reims in 2022.
It remains to be seen whether Faes’ impending arrival will impact West Ham’s pursuit of Morato, with talks ongoing with Nottingham Forest as of yesterday.
West Ham are also in the hunt for a new left-back after El Hadji Malick Diouf’s departure to London rivals Brentford.