Salomon Kalou
Kalou could be set for a Premier League return as West & Lille agree a fee for the forward. (Reuters)

West Ham United have agreed upon an undisclosed fee with Lille to bring former Chelsea forward Solomon Kalou back to the Premier League, French reports suggest.

The Ivory Coast international left the Blues in 2012 but has been linked with a return to England throughout the summer with Sam Allardyce admitting over the weekend his club were considering a bid for the forward.

It would now appear that the Hammers are one step closer to making their fifth signing of this summer transfer window with Le Sport 10 reporting that West Ham and Lille has agreed to a move that would see Kalou move to East London, should the Premier League club and the player successfully agree terms.

It is suggested West Ham will now formally enter talks with Kalou with Lille's blessing, with the issue of what position the former Chelsea man will play of particular significance, according to the Mirror. The 27-year-old is understood to favour a centre forward position down the middle, something which West Ham may not be able to accommodate as the club seek to find the perfect strike partner for £16m man Andy Carroll.

"As far as I know, back at West Ham, I think the chairman is speaking with the player's agent," Allardyce told Sky Sports News on Saturday.

"We understand the player wants to come back and play in England, whether that is with us or with whoever, we are having a look at it.

"Obviously from his record at Chelsea, and his goal scoring record this season in France, and his age, he is very appealing to us.

"But whether that will come off or not in terms of what regular position he wants to play, may be the stumbling block."

Although he largely played a squad role during his six years at Stamford Bridge, Kalou scored 60 goals for the club in his 254 appearances, 107 of which came as a substitute. Despite signing a four year deal with Lille last summer, Kalou spoke of his desire to return to the Premier League at the end of last season after an unspectacular spell in French football.

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