Who West Ham have beaten in transfer race to sign Joel Veltman as medical complete

West Ham United are moving closer to their first signing of the summer with Joel Veltman completing his medical.

Defensive reinforcements have been needed in E20, with Jean-Clair Todibo refusing to feature for Nuno Espirito Santo following a falling out towards the end of last season.

Things have certainly moved quick in terms of capturing the former Brighton defender, with the links only emerging on Wednesday evening and a medical taking place not too long after.

Now, Veltman could be available for West Ham's EFL Cup tie this weekend.

With the 34-year-old making the switch to East London, fans will hope that is the first of many to come through the door, in what has been a slow window.

That could be down to West Ham's position in the English football pyramid, but for Veltman that seemingly did not matter as he had another offer on the table from a top-flight side.

The European club Veltman snubbed for West Ham

With Veltman's contract expiring at the AMEX Stadium at the end of June, the 34-year-old was free to talk with any interested parties.

West Ham have seemingly presented their project better than the rest, with details of competition to win Veltman's signature emerging.

According to the print edition of the Daily Mail on 6 August, West Ham were up against a first division French club.

Ligue 1 outfit RC Strasbourg, who are owned by billionaire Todd Boehly's BlueCo consortium, had also put an offer on the table for the Dutch defender.

Now, with Veltman's medical completed and terms agreed on a two-year deal, an announcement of the signing should be imminent.

Hopefully opening the floodgates for West Ham's incomings.

Where will Veltman play for West Ham?

At Brighton, Veltman was used mainly as a right-back, but the Dutchman is traditionally a central defender.

For Nuno's side, it would seem odd for a 34-year-old to feature on the width of defence, especially seeing as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker-Peters are currently at London Stadium.

Although, Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a move out of West Ham this summer window.

All in all, the six-foot defender is likely to be among the options utilised in the middle but we could see him sporadically be deployed as a fullback when going more defensive.

It could see plenty of tactical options pop up for Nuno.

Having the choice to play him in two separate positions will undoubtedly be another reason of appeal for the Portuguese manager.