Konchesky set for Hammers switch

West Ham look set to bolster their squad this week with the signing of Paul Konchesky from Charlton, as well as Cardiff pair Danny Gabbidon and James Collins.

The Hammers are understood to have agreed terms with their London neighbours for the 24-year-old, who can play either on the left side of defence or in midfield, and has been at Upton Park to complete a medical today.

Both Gabbidon and Collins have, meanwhile, been in talks over a move to the Barclays Premiership after the cash-strapped Bluebirds reluctantly decided to sell the promising duo.

Since beating Preston to win the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final, the only new face to arrive at Upton Park has been goalkeeper Roy Carroll, signed on a free transfer after he was released by Manchester United.

Only last week, managing director Paul Aldridge appealed for patience from supporters as he revealed the club were “in talks with a number of potential new signings”.

The Hammers are also understood to have seen an ambitious £6million bid for Southampton and England striker Peter Crouch rebuffed, with the beanpole frontman’s preferred destination said to be Anfield should he be sold by the Saints, who were relegated on the final day of last season.

Manager Alan Pardew relied on the rookie centre-back partnership of Anton Ferdinand and Elliott Ward to guide the team to promotion, via the play-offs.

So signing the likes of Konchesky, for a probable fee of around £2million, Gabbidon, 26, and 21-year-old Collins – the duo rated in the £3million bracket for their combined services – would certainly increase West Ham’s defensive options.

Pardew has also moved to extend the contracts of Teddy Sheringham, Mark Noble, Christian Dailly and Tomas Repka as he prepares to kick off the new season against Blackburn on August 13.

The Hammers are set for a three-match tour of Sweden at the end of next week, and it is expected Konchesky will have completed his move in time to depart with them.

Konchesky came up through the youth ranks at The Valley and won a solitary England cap in the 3-1 friendly defeat against Australia, co-incidentally at Upton Park, in February 2003.

The defender, though, endured a difficult spell since then, finding his opportunities limited at The Valley, and spent three months on loan at Tottenham during September that year before going onto the transfer list.

However, the decision by Addicks boss Alan Curbishley to utilise him on the left of midfield during large parts of last season had seemed to signal a return to the fold for Konchesky – although the player himself made no secret that his preferred position was at left-back and now looks set for a fresh start at Upton Park.