West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is close to pulling off something of a transfer coup with highly-rated Chelsea youngster Frank Nouble on the verge of completing a move to Upton Park.

According to skysports.com, the little Italian maestro has made his move for Nouble after the 17-year-old rejected the offer of a professional contract at Stamford Bridge as he was unconvinced he would be given an opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team spot given the array of talent already at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal.

Nouble, who was also said to have been interesting Arsenal, is rated one of the best teenage talents in England having impressed for Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup and in the reserves last season.

And having been convinced by Zola that his future lies with the Hammers, the powerful frontman is now expected to become the club's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez on a season-long loan deal.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed they are casting an eye over young Roma midfielder Simone Bezziccheri, who has arrived in East London for a trial as he looks to win a professional contract.

The 16-year-old was part of a youthful Hammers side that drew 1-1 with Cambridge United over the weekend.