West Ham are launching a £9 million bid for Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami.

Kosovan-born Behrami is a Swiss international who has previously been a target for both Manchester United and Liverpool.

Liverpool wanted to sign Behrami, 23, in January but were put off by Lazio's £10m price tag.

West Ham's recently appointed director of football Gianluca Nani hopes to seal the deal this week.

Boss Alan Curbishley plans to play Behrami at right-back and move club captain Lucas Neill to centre-half.