West Ham United centre back Ajibola Alese is close to joining League One side Accrington Stanley on loan, Sky Sports' transfer centre (01/09, 18:09) has reported.

Alese has yet to make a senior appearance for the Hammers, but has impressed during his time with the Premier League side's academy, who are said to be keen for the 18-year-old for him to gain experience out on loan.

It is thought that Championship side West Brom had been interested in signing the defender earlier in the summer, but that the Baggies were put off by the size of the loan fee demanded by the Hammers.

Despite that, it has been reported that Stanley are close to completing a temporary deal for Alese, although West Ham will have the option to review the deal in January.

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Stanley are currently 20th in League One, having come from a goal down to take their first league win of the season against MK Dons on Saturday, and are in next in action when they travel to Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The Verdict

I think this could be a good signing for all concerned.

Alese appears to have shown plenty of promise during his time in the Hammers' academy, so the first team experience at Accrington could benefit him greatly.

This could also be useful for Stanley themselves, providing them with an additional useful option for their backline.

The fact that Stanley also look close to completing the deal, when West Brom were unable to do so, also feels like a big statement of intent from the League One club.