HAMMERS UP TO NAIL FAB

STOKE HAVE SIGNED WOLVES’ BENIK AFOBE ON A SIX-MONTH LOAN WITH A £12.5M PURCHASE OPTION

JOSH MURPHY has joined Cardiff for an £11million club-record fee from Norwich.

The 23-year-old winger is Neil Warnock’s first buy of the summer.

“Josh is a player I’ve watched for a number of years,” said the Bluebirds boss.

“He’s always excited me when he runs with the ball.

“He’s the right age with his best still to come. He can play an instrumental part in helping us stay in the Premier League and he’s looking forward to the challenge.” WEST HAM are closing in on goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

And they hope to make it a double raid on Swansea by snapping up £20million-rated Alfie Mawson.

Getting a deal for Fabianski (right), 33, over the line for around £7m is the Hammers’ immediate priority.

They hope to sign him before Poland’s World Cup campaign begins against Senegal on Tuesday – fearing matters could become complicated if he wins his battle with Wojciech Szczesny to be the Polish No.1.

West Ham will then turn their attention to bolstering their defence with the capture of centre-back Mawson, 24, after encouraging initial talks. BURNLEY have bid £25million for West Brom stars Craig Dawson and Jay Rodriguez.

Turf Moor boss Sean Dyche has moved quickly to strengthen his squad ahead of the start of their Europa League campaign.

And the relegated Baggies also fear an offer from Newcastle for top striker Solomon Rondon.