Benayoun poised to sign for Hammers
Saturday, 16 July 2005 13:57Racing Santander midfielder Yossi Benayoun will sign for West Ham today, according to the player's agent.
The 24-year-old Israel international will undergo a medical after the two clubs agreed on a deal to see the player join the newly-promoted Premiership outfit.
"Racing and West Ham have already reached an agreement for Benayoun," the player's representative Gustavo Crnko said.
Benayoun had been tipped to move away from Santander this summer as the debt-ridden club look to ease their financial woes by cashing in on the rising star.
"His departure is simply a question of money for the club," added Crnko.
Everton and Bolton have also shown an interest in the playmaker, but Everton's signing of Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta ruled out Benayoun's chances of a move to Goodison Park.
"It's true that both clubs were interested but the player has chosen West Ham," added Crnko.
Nicknamed 'The Diamond' in his home nation, Benayoun's Racing contract does not end until 2007 and the likely fee has been reported at £2million.
Benayoun arrived in the Primera Liga from Maccabi Haifa in 2003 and played 35 league games for Santander last season, scoring nine goals.
