West Ham are hoping to secure a deal to sign Jose Fonte from Southampton

West Ham are in advanced talks to sign defender Jose Fonte from Southampton, according to Sky sources.

The Portugal international, who has 18 months remaining on his contract at St Mary's, expressed his desire to leave Southampton earlier this month.

Fonte revealed on social media in December he had not rejected a new deal to stay at Southampton but confirmed he would not be offered fresh terms by the south-coast club.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic denied the transfer is as far along as a medical but that the club are working to get new players into the club as soon as possible.

He said: "[Fonte is] not having a medical today. We are not talking about transfers, we are working on some though.

"There are one or two players we need, it won't be easy, but we are trying. Hopefully have something to announce in 24 hours."

Fonte, 33, helped Portugal win Euro 2016 last summer and has played 286 times for the Saints since joining from Crystal Palace in 2010.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is looking to bolster his squad before the close of the January transfer window

Bilic is looking to bolster his defensive ranks this month, with Winston Reid, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna currently his only recognised senior central defenders.

West Ham also remain in negotiations for Brentford forward Scott Hogan and have had an improved £6m bid for Robert Snodgrass rejected by Hull City.