Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy is set to join West Ham United.

The Sunday Times says McCarthy has agreed personal terms with West Ham United's new owners and could join the club in time for Tuesday's Premier League game at Portsmouth. Blackburn Rovers expect to receive about £2.5m for the South Africa international and are currently looking for a replacement.

McCarthy, 32, who also attracted interest from Everton and Celtic, has been offered a two-and-a-half-year contract at Upton Park. West Ham have proposed structuring the initial six months as a loan deal to hurry through the striker's registration. There are no work permit issues because McCarthy's wife is Spanish.