Hammers apply for Zapata work permit

West Ham have moved a step closer to securing the services of highly-rated Estudiantes striker Duvan Zapata by applying for a work permit, according to Sky Sports.

It was revealed earlier this week that the Hammers had met the Columbian’s £6.7m release clause and that the deal was subject to a successful work permit application.

However, due to the 22-year-old not having yet represented Columbia at senior level, it was believed a work permit would be very difficult to get hold of.

But the application will go to an appeal and Sky Sports are reporting that several high-profile figures in world football are prepared to give references about Zapata and the club will claim that he has a high chance of representing his country in next summer’s World Cup in Brazil, as well as taking in to account Columbia’s ranking of third in the FIFA World Rankings.

A source close to deal told Sky Sports that Zapata is “hopeful of securing the move and that it would be a “dream” to play in the Premier League.