West Ham United 'near Ryan Fredericks deal'

West Ham United are reportedly on the verge of sealing a deal for Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks.

Fredericks posted nine assists in 44 Championship appearances for newly-promoted Fulham last season.

The Cottagers have been unable to tie the 25-year-old to a new contract, however, and his existing deal at Craven Cottage will expire at the end of June.

Southampton, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth are all believed to be interested in the defender, but according to Sky Sports News, West Ham have won the race.

The report claims that the deal will be announced 'in the next few days' as new Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini prepares to make his first signing of the summer.

Former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Fredericks has managed 16 assists in 114 appearances for Fulham.