West Ham are said to be 'close' to finalising the capture of Ecuadorian midfielder Jefferson Montero.
According to journalist Jamie Jackson, United are on the verge of tying up a deal for the 23-year-old international winger who currently plays for Mexican club Monarcas Morelia in the Liga MX (Mexican equivalent of the Premier League).Should the deal go through, Montero is expected to sign a four-year contract worth around £30,000 per week.
Born in Babahoyo - the capital city of Ecuador's Los Rios province - in 1989, Montero began his professional career with local club Club Sport Emelec at the age of 16 before joining Independiente José Terán.
It was whilst with second division Independiente that he began to attract widespread attention after impressing in the first team. Following a short loan spell in 2008 with Mexican side Dorados de Sinaloa, Montano was snapped up by Spanish side Villareal in April 2009 on a five-year contract.
His move to Spain appeared to be proving fruitful when he was promoted from Villareal's B team to the first team squad as back-up for Santi Cazorla, now at Arsenal, at the start of the 2010/11 season.
However having failed to secure a first team spot, Montero was loaned firstly to Levante and then to Real Betis (where he played alongside new Hammers signing Adrian) before joining his current club Morelia on a permanent basis a year ago this month.
Montero is understood to have two years remaining on his current contract, but West Ham are said to have triggered a £3million release clause.
Montero in action for Ecuador against Argentina earlier this month
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