Ashton set for Monday medical

Last updated : 22 January 2006 By Rick Lamb
West Ham United have agreed terms with their prospective signing Dean Ashton and are ready to unveil their new record purchase at tomorrow's match with Fulham subject to a medical in the morning.

The details of the deal with the player himself, for example how long Ashton's contract will be, have yet to be revealed for the £7.25million transfer.

Hammers Chief executive Paul Aldridge, however, believes the move represents value for money for his club in securing a player who has suddenly begun to draw comparisons with Alan Shearer, and who will compete with the likes of Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora for a place in the Irons line-up.

"Alan Pardew has identified Dean as a player who can play a key role in helping the club to reach a new level, and we have therefore worked extremely hard to ensure that the transfer goes ahead," said Aldridge of the former Crewe man.

"We are paying a club record transfer fee for Dean because we feel that, at 22, he represents an investment that can benefit West Ham for years to come at the highest level."