West Ham United are readying a £3.5 million bid to sign Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, a source close to the London club has exclusively confirmed to Football League World Chief Editor Sam Rourke.

The 29-year-old has been one of the Bluebirds’ most consistent performers in the last few seasons, and this form has attracted the interested of David Moyes’ side, who are looking for an adequate back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

West Ham have struggled in the goalkeeper department this season, with second choice goalkeeper Roberto failing to impress in between the sticks whilst Fabianksi was out injured, leading to 33-year-old David Martin being given a run of games in the side.

As per the source, Cardiff City are unwilling to let Etheridge leave for a minimal fee and are reluctant to see the Philippines international leave in this window, though this has not stopped the Hammers in readying a bid to sign the shot-stopper.

Etheridge has been a regular in the Cardiff first-team this season, making 16 appearances as Neil Harris’ side sit in 12th spot in the Championship table.

Alex Smithies was involved earlier on in the season for the Bluebirds, and has proven to be a more than sufficient replacement for Etheridge if he was to depart, whilst Joe Day can also offer competition for the number one spot at the Cardiff City stadium.