— The Carolina RailHawks will host West Ham United, the world-renowned English Premier League football club, for an international friendly on July 12, 2016 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, according to reliable sources.

The RailHawks provided no official response when reached for comment. However, a club announcement about the event is expected as soon next week.

West Ham currently sits in sixth place in the EPL table with three matches remaining this season, as the club continues to vie for a spot in the 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League.

Rumors of a possible RailHawks match against an EPL team this year have been bandied about since Carolina’s preseason. Last year, the RailHawks were in advanced negotiations with Sunderland AFC to host a summer friendly, but plans could not be finalized.

The RailHawks, presently atop the NASL standings, continue their 2016 regular season this Saturday when they host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.