Gianfranco Zola has agreed a three-year deal to become new manager of West Ham United.

Senior club sources have confirmed that the 42-year-old Italian will fly in to London on Thursday to the sign his contract.

The Hammers are confident that the former Chelsea star will be formally unveiled at a news conference before the weekend.

His backroom staff will be announced tomorrow and it can been revealed that caretaker boss Kevin Keen will continue on the coaching staff - but ex-Hammers striker Paolo di Canio is not part of Zola's plans.

Zola spent this morning speaking to the Italian FA about being released from his contract as joint coach to the Italy under-21 side.

His lawyer was at Upton Park agreeing the contract and all the details have been settled to both sides' satisfaction.