But it is West Ham who have won the race for his signature, with the Hammers announcing the signing on Thursday morning ahead of their pre-season tour of New Zealand.

STORY: Enner Valencia will become the Hammers fifth summer signing, subject to a successful work permit hearing #COYI pic.twitter.com/qauvXHBOA7

— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 17, 2014

“West Ham United are delighted to announce that exciting Ecuador international forward Enner Valencia will become the Club’s fifth summer signing, subject to a successful work permit hearing,” a statement on their official website read.

“Valencia, who impressed hugely in scoring three goals for his country at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, will join West Ham on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.”

Although the fee will not be disclosed it is believed that Valencia, who started his career with Emelec before moving to Mexican outfit Pachuca, moves to West Ham for a deal close to the club-record amount paid for fellow striker Andy Carroll last summer.

After completing his move from Liverpool Carroll struggled for fitness last season and goalscoring was a problem for Sam Allardyce’s side.

With Valencia, who also scored in Ecuador’s World Cup warm-up draw with England, now on board Allardyce will be hoping the Hammers’ reliance on Carroll will be eased.

The 59-year-old was only assured of his position in May but has now brought in five new faces as he looks to improve on last season’s 13th-placed finish.

Once the work permit regulations are dealt with, Valencia will join fellow striker Mauro Zarate, Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, full-back Aaron Cresswell and England youth international Diego Poyet in completing moves to Upton Park so far this summer.