Mexico's Franco close to joining West Ham

Guillermo Franco's future might be in Europe after all.

Less than one week after saying he was going to join Estudiantes de La Plata, the Mexican international and West Ham United are on the verge of agreeing to a contract, multiple sources have reported.

Franco, 32, scored a goal in Mexico's 3-0 win at Costa Rica on Sept. 5 but picked up a yellow card and missed Mexico's 1-0 win over Honduras on Wednesday due to suspension. He also played for Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, joining the side after original squad member Omar Arellano went down with injury.

All along, Franco had been called in to the national team despite not having a club. Franco's deal with Spanish side Villarreal ran out at the end of last season and he was not brought back.

West Ham would be able to sign Franco on a free transfer and would be able to acquire him despite the close of the transfer window because Franco is out of contract.

Should the deal happen, Franco would become the third Mexican international in the English Premiership, joining fellow Mexicans Carlos Vela (Arsenal) and Giovani dos Santos (Tottenham). --Goal.com