'Medical booked' - West Ham next £17m transfer emerges as Julen Lopetegui puts foot down

West Ham defender Kurt Zouma is set to complete a move to Saudi Arabia before the start of the Premier League season, having been told he is not part of Julen Lopetegui's plans at the London Stadium.

The former Wolves boss has taken over from David Moyes this summer and has already enjoyed a busy transfer window as he prepares for a first season in charge. Zouma was an omnipresent part of Moyes' Hammers side, making 33 Premier League appearances last season, but is set to struggle for playing time under Lopetegui.

That's according to HITC, with the outlet reporting that Zouma has already booked a medical at an unconfirmed Saudi club. The side is rumoured to be Al-Qadsiah, with the club making a swoop for the player last year. A £17 million fee has been touted for the imminent move.

The report adds that West Ham had initially been working on sending Zouma to Nice in an attempt to sweeten any bid for Jean-Clair Todibo, but that is now not the case. The defender's wages were believed to be an issue for the Ligue 1 side but are not for the Saudi suitor.

News of the former Chelsea and Everton man's departure comes as West Ham are linked with a move for former Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels. Sky Sports reports on Tuesday that while Brighton and Hove Albion have made contact with the German international, the London club are also among a number of clubs targeting the defender.

Hummels is a free agent this summer having left Dortmund but is still considering whether he will continue to play or hang up his boots for good at the age of 35. West Ham have already splurged £40 million to bring former Wolves defender Max Kilman to the club this summer to be reunited with Lopetegui.