Swansea City’s capture of Fernando Llorente is set to open the door for Andre Ayew to join West Ham.
Spain striker Llorente, 31, will be in Wales on Friday to complete his move after the Swans agreed a deal – thought to be worth around £5m – on Thursday evening.
Target man Llorente will fill the gap left by the departure of Bafetimbi Gomis, but it is unlikely to increase the numbers available to manager Francesco Guidolin as it is understood Ayew will be allowed to leave in a deal worth £18m.
That would represent sharp business on a player who arrived at the Liberty Stadium on a free transfer only a year ago.
Llorente – who had two years left on his contract in Spain – will be bring experience and quality to the Liberty Stadium with Sevilla prepared to let him go just a year after signing him from Juventus.
The former Athletic Bilbao forward scored only seven goals last season, but was an infrequent starter at club which won the Europa League by beating Liverpool and will play in the Champions League this time.
Ayew was wanted by Sunderland at the end of last season, but was reluctant to join another struggling Premier League club after helping the Swans climb away from the bottom end of the table.
The 26-year-old Ghanian international was considered to be a short-term option by the Swans – a player brought in on high wages for no fee, who had little appetite for making a long-term commitment to staying in Wales.
Now, with West Ham keen to strengthen their squad ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium this season, it appears chairman Huw Jenkins is ready to allow him to go.
Jenkins suggested on Wednesday that there would be movement in and out of the club when he told fans via a statement on the Swans’ website that their buying and selling strategy would remain unchanged despite the recent takeover by American investors.
Jenkins said: “I think it’s been a frustrating summer so far for everyone, but I can assure you that every person connected to this football club has been working non-stop to get the squad right in all areas to start the season.
“What I will say though is that the philosophy of this football club remains the same – to have a squad where everyone is committed and motivated to play for Swansea City.’’
