Transfer news and speculation, 23 July

West Ham will today complete their first major signing of the summer with the £5m acquisition of Swiss international Valon Behrami. The 23-year-old, who can play at right-back or the right of midfield, will sign from Lazio. Talks have been ongoing for some time for Behrami, who started all three of Switzerland's matches at Euro 2008. West Ham have beaten off interest from other clubs in England, and in Germany, to sign Behrami. The Hammers maintain the signing does not mean they will sell captain Lucas Neill, although they are expecting to receive bids for the Australia international. Neither are they prepared to offload George McCartney – even if Sunderland increase the offer of £4.5m that was recently turned down. Both players have said they want to stay at Upton Park. They will not, however, be joined by Eidur Gudjohnsen. West Ham have rejected claims that they offered £5m for the Icelandic striker – who they have tried to sign in the past – and insist they have no interest in buying him from Barcelona. The club are in the market for a new goalkeeper having allowed Richard Wright to rejoin Ipswich Town, while Robert Green's future is in doubt with the player keen on a move away from West Ham. Fulham have shown a tentative interest.

Zaki moves to JJB on one-year loan

Wigan have completed the signing of the Egypt international striker Amr Zaki. The 25-year-old Zamalek striker has passed a medical and has agreed a one-year loan deal. Zaki said: "I've come to England to score goals. I am totally focused on trying to prove myself here." The club have also been linked with a bid to bring their former midfielder Jimmy Bullard back to the JJB from Fulham.

Henry supports Wenger's methods

Arsenal's former captain Thierry Henry has backed his old manager, Arsène Wenger, to succeed in the transfer market. "I don't know how Arsène does it when he brings in some players who make people think 'I don't know if they are going to be OK'," the Barcelona striker said. "But suddenly everyone starts raving about how Arsenal are playing and what a great team they are."

Transfer chat caught on the net

Should Milan sell Kaka?

I love Milan and don't want to see Kaka sold... but £100m? When will this offer come again? Remember Zidane sold to Madrid? He was OK at Madrid but Juve had lots of money to buy young players. I say sell.

Paolo ( www.goal.com)

Zaki seals Wigan switch

We don't know if he's any good. He looks good playing in Egypt but the only time he played outside Africa [Russia] he was a disaster.

Udod ( www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk)

Essien's new contract

Best news all summer, now if we could get Carvalho to do the same... the rest can be replaced, and if they don't wanna be here, goodbye!

Craftyblue ( www.teamtalk.com, sports fans website)

Yesterday's completed moves:

Jason Beardsley (Derby County) to Notts County; Loan

Febian Brandy (Manchester United) to Swansea City; Loan

Rene Howe (Peterborough) to Morecambe; Loan

Arnau Riera (Sunderland) to Falkirk; Season-long loan

Amr Zaki (Zamalek) to Wigan; Season-long loan