Ex-Liverpool midfielder set to sign for West Ham

French midfielder Alou Diarra is set to join West Ham United from Marseille.

The Hammers issued a statement on their official website today in which they revealed they were on the brink of “tying up a major new signing in the next few hours”.

A statement on the Hammers’ official website read: “West Ham United are hopeful of tying up a major new signing in the next few hours.

“The deal for the international star is at an advanced stage and it is hoped the transfer will be confirmed later on Friday.”

Signing the 31-year-old would be a coup for West Ham, with the midfielder one of France’s better performers at Euro 2012, despite a disappointing season with Marseille.

He also failed to make the grade at Liverpool, spending virtually all of his three years there on loan.

His Marseille exit seemed inevitable when he reported back from Euro 2012 six days late and was fined.