Franco claims Hammers deal

11 September 2009 08:48
Mexico striker Guillermo Franco claims he is set to join West Ham United in order to fulfil his dream of playing in England. The former Villarreal player is a free agent after his contract with the Primera Liga side expired in August. Franco was on the verge of signing a contract with South American champions Estudiantes, but his return to Mexico collapsed. However, the 32-year-old has now announced that he is joining West Ham as Gianfranco Zola bids to end a summer-long search for attacking options. The Guardian quotes Franco as saying: "Imagine how I feel after so much criticism for not having a team, but thank God my dream has come true to play in England. "This is a new step, a new cycle with big challenges in a very strong league." But Franco's agent has told Sky Sports News that the forward is still in talks with at least five clubs.

Source: SKY_Sports