Kelechi Iheanacho is on the verge of moving to Leicester City in a deal worth £25million.
The presence of forwards Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero means game-time at Manchester City was going to be severely limited next season, and boss Pep Guardiola was happy for him to find a new club.
Iheanacho had been keen on the prospect of a move to West Ham, who had shown interest in signing him.
The Hammers began to move ahead with talks but manager Slaven Bilic is understood to have told the board not to pursue the deal, just as it came down to serious negotiations.
It left the path clear for Leicester to move forward with their own proposal which is reported to have been accepted by City.
Minor details with Iheanacho and representatives will now be agreed before Leicester make an announcement.
Iheanacho, 20, scored seven times from 29 appearances last season for Man City and is eager to kick on with his top-flight career.
It could mean West Ham are going to turn their attention to Burnley’s Andre Gray, who is available at around £15m.
The London club have been on the hunt for a proven goalscorer and was surprised to learn earlier this week that Olivier Giroud was close to joining Everton, as he was a top target.
