Cheikhou Kouyate 'clinches £7m move to West Ham' as Hammers shape up for top six



Towering Anderlecht centre back set to bolter Sam Allardyce's back line



Hammers saw off competition from Valencia for Kouyate's signature



Second West Ham summer signing after Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate



West Ham have signed Anderlecht centre back Cheikhou Kouyate on a four-year-deal after completing a medical, according to reports in Belgium.

Valencia had shown interest in the 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, but the Hammers appear to have seen off the Spanish side's interest to secure Kouyate's signature.



Kouyate has spent his entire senior career in Belgium but now looks set to join Sam Allardyce's side for a fee of around £7million as they look to secure a top-six finish in line with co-owner David Gold's aspirations.

Hammer blow: Kouyate is West Ham's second signing of the summer as the club look to push up the table

Big game player: Kouyate has Champions League experience - seen here up against Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The Senegal international passed his medical and put pen to paper on a four-year deal on Tuesday to secure a dream move to the Premier League.



It looks set to be a summer of big change for the Hammers after a disappointing season with fans unhappy at the lack of progress under Allardyce's stewardship.



Big loss: Kouyate leaves Anderlecht after spending his entire senior career so far in Belgium

Under pressure: It's an important summer for Allardyce after taking criticism from fans last season

Teddy Sheringham has joined the Upton Park outfit as an attacking coach, while Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate joined on a three-year deal from Velez Sarsfield.

Allardyce also has his eye on further strengthening his defence, with Manchester City defenders Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards potential targets.

