West Ham United are closing in on Roma attacker Julio Baptista.

The Daily Mail says West Ham manager Avram Grant almost signed the Brazil international last season only for Portsmouth's financial problems to kick in and he is keen to try again.

The 28-year-old can play attacking midfield or as a second striker and will be hoping to catch the eye with Brazil over the next three weeks if given a chance to play.

West Ham may prefer to sign him on loan but Roma want around £4.5m for a player they signed for £7.2m from Real Madrid in 2008.

Baptista has also been offered to Tottenham but that position is not a priority for Harry Redknapp.