West Ham close in on second signing of summer whilst Darren Randolph discusses excitement at moving to Upton Park

Newham Recorder: Darren Randolph when of Birmingham (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Darren Randolph when of Birmingham (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (Image: 2015 Getty Images)

West Ham could announce their second signing of the summer shortly after it was revealed they are in talks with Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang about moving to Upton Park and becoming the first transfer of the Slaven Bilic era.

Sky Sports sources confirmed the 23-year-old has been in discussions about making the switch to the Premier League after spending the last five years in Serie A.

AC Milan and rivals Tottenham were said to have registered an interest in the former Spanish under-21 international, but he is now close to sealing a move to east London.

A fee has reportedly been agreed between Hammers and the Italian outfit and personal terms are close too.

Newham Recorder: Pedro Obiang of Sampdoria in action (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)Pedro Obiang of Sampdoria in action (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images) (Image: 2015 Getty Images)

Obiang impressed for Sampdoria last season, scoring three times and making 35 appearances in midfield, and it is believed he could unveil the new West Ham kit for the 2015/16 season when his transfer is finally confirmed.

He will be the second signing of the summer for the Upton Park club since Sam Allardyce’s departure was confirmed on May 24 after their 2-0 loss to Newcastle on the final day of the season.

It was revealed on May 30 that Birmingham City goalkeeper Darren Randolph would join the club when his contract with his parent Championship side expires on July 1.

And the Republic of Ireland stopper is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to play in the Premier League again, after making his debut with Charlton Athletic 10 years ago.

“My initial reaction to joining West Ham is excitement,” Randolph told whufc.com. “It was a tough decision turning down Birmingham’s offer of a new contract because of the second part of the season we had and the team we’d built.

“They are a great group of lads and staff, but I felt like I couldn’t turn down the chance of joining a club like West Ham. Everybody wants to try and get to the top of their profession and I’m no different.”

Randolph, 28, left Charlton in 2010 after failing to establish himself as first choice and spent three years with Scottish side Motherwell before moving to Birmingham in 2013.

“I started at Charlton when I was 16 and left when I was 23,” added Randolph.

“It’s been a long journey to get back to the Premier League and a great achievement to be able to do so. It is where players all around the world would like to be.

“I’ve played for the last five season so I would like to think I can come in and challenge for a place in the team. Adrian’s had a fantastic season so it is going to be tough, but it is a challenge I look forward too.”

Now Bilic has been confirmed as West Ham manager, he will look to do more business before they start their Europa League campaign next month.