Hammers swoop for Ashton

West Ham are today set to complete the capture of Norwich striker Dean Ashton for a fee in excess of £7m (€10.2m).

The 22-year-old Ashton is reported to have agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Hammers.

Upton Park director Scott Duxbury told The Mail on Sunday: “Some people will speculate that we have paid over the odds, but we think he’s a future England international and, in that case, he’s a steal.

“He was compared to Alan Shearer when he burst on the scene and if he can come anywhere close to that comparison he could be the bargain of the season.”