West Ham United are moving for Santos Laguna striker Christian Benitez.

Hammers' co-chairman David Sullivan signed the Ecuador international from Mexican club Santos Laguna on loan while he was in charge at Birmingham. Blues have decided not to make the move permanent and West Ham are ready to step in with a deal.

Chucho, who scored four goals in 36 matches for Birmingham last season, is back with Santos Laguna who value the player at £7 million.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish said: "We did have an agreement that the previous board put in place. He did very well for us and I'm sorry to lose him but the deal was too rich for us."