West Ham set their eyes on Dutch defender on a free transfer

Last night, reports were made that the Hammers would be signing a free agent, and it was believed to be a defender - many came to the conclusion that the individual in question was a former Brighton player, yet that didn’t quite narrow it down.

Brighton have three former players available on a free: Adam Webster, Solly March and Joël Veltman. The Hammers have opted for the third name, the 34-year-old Dutchman who can play centrally and also on the right.

Signing Joël Veltman on a free will now pave the way for Kyle Walker-Peters to be the starting right-back in Nuno’s side, and it will also allow Aaron Wan-Bissaka to leave, who has been forcing a move away from West Ham and has made it clear to Nuno that he does not want to play in the Championship.

Nuno will expect to complete the signing of Joel Veltman in the coming days and will now allow the sale of AWB.

West Ham are still going to sign another central defender, with the two names most likely being Dylan Lawlor from Cardiff City and Axel Disasi, for whom the Hammers are waiting for the green light from the Frenchman.

Joël Veltman played 191 games for Brighton, including 24 last season in the Premier League.