UAE Pro League club agree deal to sign West Ham CB after missing out on Troost-Ekong 

UAE Pro League club Shabab Al Ahli Club have reached a club-to-club agreement with West Ham United over the signing of French central defender Kurt Zouma, according to Sky Sports UK. 

Shabab Al-Ahli held concrete interest in signing another experienced central defender in the shape of William Troost-Ekong during the summer transfer window but the deal will not happen as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Most Valuable Player recently agreed a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood.

Troost-Ekong would have reunited with Portuguese football tactician Paulo Sousa, with whom he worked with at Italian club Salernitana in the second half of the 2022-2023 season. 

With age no longer on their side, Zouma and Troost-Ekong have opted for one last big pay day in the Gulf countries. 

The Hammers are set to the end their association with the former Chelsea man a year before the end of his current contract.

Zouma is expected to complete his medical with Shabab Al-Ahli before the end of this week ahead of his unveiling.

Troost-Ekong - one of the first names on the teamsheet when in tiptop condition - was a non-playing substitute as PAOK were held to a 2-2 draw by Malmo in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg on Tuesday, fueling speculation of an imminent move to Al-Kholood. 

According to reports in Greece, PAOK have informed the Super Eagles assistant captain that they want to keep him until the return leg against the Swedish club on August 13, and then start the procedures to complete the paperwork for his transfer to Al-Kholood.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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