'Problems' - Julen Lopetegui's ruthless next West Ham transfer hits snag

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is enjoying a fruitful summer of transfer activity ahead of his debut season in charge at the London Stadium.

The former Wolves manager has been backed with cash by the club and the Hammers have enjoyed a window that is the envy of many Premier League rivals. Lopetegui is breathing new life into his squad and taking a ruthless approach to reconstructing his starting XI.

Rejuvenating an ageing defence had been touted as the number one priority ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign at West Ham. The Spaniard has done that with Max Kilman arriving from Molineux for £40 million and the highly-wanted Jean-Clair Todibo signing on a loan-to-buy deal worth £34 million.

The acquisition of a right-back is next on the list for the Hammers with Ben Johnson having left as a free agent, since joining Ipswich Town, and Vladimir Coufal in the final year of his contract. It is expected that Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka will arrive at the London Stadium to fulfil that role.

With so many new arrivals, it's vital for West Ham to free up some space on the wage bill and that was expected to happen over the weekend with the sale of Kurt Zouma. Selling the club captain, who made 33 top flight appearances, is a brave call from Lopetegui and one that shows ambition.

West Ham had sanctioned a free transfer to Dubai side Al-Ahli, even though the defender has another year on his West Ham contract. Zouma travelled to complete a medical over the weekend but now the move is in jeopardy.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has spoken of 'problems' that emerged in the medical. Clarifying the current state of play on social media on Monday morning, he wrote: "Understand that Kurt Zouma is still on site in the UAE after problems arose during the medical check.

"West Ham and Shabab Al-Ahli in regular contact to find a solution to make the deal happen. 29 y/o central defender now waiting for the next steps."