Trevor Sinclair is expected to become the first player to quit relegated West Ham when he signs for Middlesbrough this week.
The Hammers need to reduce their wage bill after dropping into the first division, and Sinclair is keen to remain in the Premiership in a bid to keep alive his England career.
Boro boss Steve McClaren wants to strengthen his midfield and is an admirer of 30-year-old Sinclair, who is set to move for a fee in the region of £2 million.
Sinclair is believed to be travelling to the north east to discuss personal terms with Boro today, and McClaren believes his arrival will signal the Teessiders' ambition to launch themselves into the top six next season.
McClaren and Sinclair worked together on England duty and during the World Cup last summer, and forged a good relationship, which is one of the keys to the deal.
Sinclair knows that to cling on to his England spot and stand a chance of being involved in Euro 2004 he needs to be at a Premiership club and, with McClaren at the helm, Boro is his first choice.
McClaren wants the winger as a replacement for Real Madrid star Geremi who he accepts is now certain to stay in Spain following his hugely successful loan spell at the Riverside last year.
Boro are unable to afford the £9 million they were quoted and Chelsea's interest in the player has hiked the fee up further to £11m this week.
However, McClaren wants Boro to emerge as strong contenders on the tails of the top four this season and chairman Steve Gibson is backing him with cash.
West Ham reportedly need to save £20 million following their relegation, and that means they will have to sell at least one other big name. Sinclair had an ineffective campaign last season and the Hammers will hope to cope without him next term.
Sinclair could be followed out of Upton Park by French striker Frederic Kanoute, who is still a target for Spurs, although the clubs are some way apart on the fee.
Hammers boss Glenn Roeder is hoping to hang on to his three prized assets - skipper Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe - for one season as they bid to bounce back into the top flight at the first attempt.