Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell is set to join West Ham United in the summer.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has been put on alert and is willing to match his lucrative £3m-a-year contract.
Sidwell featured in Avram Grant's side when they were without their Africa Cup of Nations stars, but has since been quietly offered around.
Sunderland, Blackburn and Bolton were all interested - but Sidwell's future is at Upton Park.