West Ham have come in with a firm enquiry regarding Jamie Clapham. The left-sided defender or midfielder has been rumoured to be on his way for a while and now that Town have completed the signing of Ulrich Le Pen the writing seems to be on the wall.

The former Tottenham player is rated at £2 million by Town, but West Ham see themselves paying nearer £1 million.

However, given that Town are likely to want to do business for Clapham, it seems that a deal will go ahead, possibly so he can line-up for the Hammers against Charlton next Monday.

Clapham, 25, joined Town initially on loan back in January 1998. In March of that year he joined full-time for £300,000. He has made 171 (18 as sub) appearances for Town and has scored nine goals. He was Town's Player of the Year in 1998/99.

The Lincoln-born player has hardly been out of the side for most of his spell at the club, but lost his place on the left side of midfield around Christmas last year when Martijn Reuser came more to the fore. Since then he has been in and out of the side and has appeared frustrated at his lot.

Recently there has been reported interest in him from a number of clubs including Southampton and Middlesbrough. West Ham's offer though is the first serious interest in the former Spurs trainee.

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