Espanyol are poised to beat West Ham, Norwich and Leeds to the signing of Rayo Vallecano winger Adrian Embarba, according to reports in Spain.

The Hammers were reportedly keen on the 27-year-old, who has scored seven goals and contributed 11 assists this season in the Spanish second division, but Espanyol are close to an agreement which would see them pay €8m (£6.8m) for the player.

Rayo were keen on a club triggering his €10m (£8.5m) buyout clause but they have been forced to accept a lower offer with Embarba keen on sealing a move to a club in Spain’s top tier.

West Ham’s interest in signing a winger this month is not a surprise with Andriy Yarmolenko reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by David Moyes. The Scot has said he is looking to make further signings before the January transfer window closes:

“They have to have an impact on the team now, or buying a player that will be here for the next three, four, five years, longevity and develop into a top player.”

“To get one who is in between that, a top player in the Premier League, is difficult. I don’t want to take players other teams don’t want.”

Whether the Irons will try and make a move for another winger before the end of the month, we shall have to wait and see.