Last Updated: Wed, 10 May 2006 11:49
Alan Pardew looks set to beat off stiff competition to clinch the signing of want-away Sunderland star Julio Arca this summer.
The Argentine has 12 months still to run on his current contract, but does not relish a return to the Championship with the relegated Black Cats.
His agent Stefan Schwarz revealed earlier this year that clubs at home and abroad had expressed an interest in the South American, but the player insisted he would delay a definite decision on his future until the end of the campaign.
With Premiership matters having now drawn to a close, Arca is ready to spark a fierce fight among prospective employers to land him in a cut-price deal.
The 25-year-old, who can operate anywhere on the left flank, is thought to favour a move to Upton Park ahead of top-flight rivals Fulham and Everton. The Hammers can offer Arca the opportunity to ply his trade on the European stage in the Uefa Cup next term having clinched an FA Cup final place.