West Ham close on Ryan Fredericks as Fulham defender turns down Craven Cottage stay

The full-back is available for free this summer

Ryan Fredericks won promotion with Fulham but is likely to leave (Getty)

West Ham are confident of signing Ryan Fredericks from Fulham this week after the full-back decided to move on after promotion with the Cottagers.

Fredericks, who began his career with Tottenham, played a key role as Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side won promotion on Saturday, beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the playoff final.

But the 25-year-old defender is out of contract this summer and despite Jokanovic's efforts to convince Fredericks to sign a new deal, West Ham have offered superior terms and are expected to complete the deal imminently.

Roy Hodgson recently watched Fredericks but Palace decided against a push for the defender (Getty)

Crystal Palace were also interested in the right-back, with manager Roy Hodgson and director of football Dougie Freedman recently watching him at Craven Cottage in the playoff semi-final win over Derby County.

However, the south London club are concerned about stunting the development of breakout teenage star Aaron Wan-Bissaka and may yet move to re-sign out-of-contract Joel Ward on reduced terms instead of pushing for Fredericks.

Fredericks' arrival would be a boost for Manuel Pellegrini, whose first task in east London is to improve West Ham's defence.

No Premier League team conceded more goals than the Hammers last season, who are also keen to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper.