Transfer Talk: West Ham close to a fifth summer signing

Winston Reid celebrates after scoring for New Zealand at the World Cup (AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham United are hoping to sign New Zealand World Cup defender Winston Reid for £4m from Danish club FC Midtjylland.

The 22-year-old was a key player in New Zealand's unbeaten run in South Africa, scoring the Kiwis' equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Slovakia. He is 6ft 3in tall, and prefers to play at centre-half but can fill in at right-back. He is a Maori who was born in Auckland but moved to Denmark with his mother when he was 11. Reid represented Denmark at Under-18, Under-20 and Under-21 levels before deciding in March to represent the country of his birth instead. He was selected for New Zealand's squad for the 2010 World Cup finals even though coach Ricki Herbert had never seen him play.

West Ham hope to make him their fifth signing of the summer, following the recruitment of Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera,Frédéric Piquionne and Tal Ben Haim. They also remain keen to take Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani on a season's loan. The 21-year-old Serbia international is keen to leave the Dutch club after two disappointing seasons following a £12m move from Heerenveen.

The Tottenham manager,Harry Redknapp, has dismissed rumours linking the north London club with a move for Sporting Lisbon striker Yannick Djalo. The highly rated Portuguese's agent, Lionel da Silva, said White Hart Lane was his most likely destination. But Redknapp claims reports of a possible bid are wide of the mark. "It's not true," he said. "I believe he's a good player, but he is not and never has been in our plans."

Chelsea

The club's signing of Brazil midfielder Ramires moved a step closer last night after Benfica confirmed to the Lisbon Stock Exchange that they are working on a deal with Chelsea. The 23-year-old, who impressed at the World Cup, is expected to cost in the region of £17m.

Birmingham City

Juventus midfielder Mauro Camoranesi's agent has claimed that City are interested in the Italian. "There was an official contact," Sergio Fortunato said. "They have made a proposal and I have discussed it with Juve's leaders."

Bolton

Striker Ivan Klasnic has signed a two-year deal after leaving Nantes. "I'm really pleased," the 30-year-old Croatian, who spent last season on loan at the Reebok, said. "[Manager Owen Coyle] wants to work with me and it was an easy decision to come back."

Cardiff City

The Championship club have re-signed Jason Koumas on a season-long loan from Wigan. The midfielder spent a year on loan at the club during 2005-06. "We are pleased to welcome Jason back to City," chief executive Gethin Jenkins said.