SAM Allardyce is close to sealing a deal that will bring former Real Madrid legend, Fernando Hierro, to the Reebok.

Having spent the weekend agreeing terms with two other central defenders - the Brazilian Julio Cesar and the young Israeli international Tal Ben Haim - the Wanderers boss is on the verge of an agreement that will bring the Spanish veteran back into mainstream European football.

Hierro, who is 37, spent last season playing in Qatar, where a host of one-time world class stars are being paid vast sums to promote Middle East football.

But Allardyce believes he can still play at the highest level.

If he accepts the offer of a 12-month Reebok contract, Hierro will be re-united with two of his former Real team-mates, Ivan Campo and Cesar - the man who was seen as his natural successor when he first went to the Bernabeu and who this weekend agreed a one-year Reebok deal after impressing on trial.

The 25-year-old Cesar joins Wanderers on a free after reaching a settlement with Real Valladolid, where he still had a year to run on his contract. Ben Haim, who at 22 is seen by Allardyce as a player for the future, has agreed to join the Reebok ranks on a three-year deal after Wanderers agreed to pay his former club, Maccabi Tel Aviv, a compensation payment of around £150,000. But he must first convince the authorities that he qualifies for a work permit.

"That is our only concern now," Allardyce said. "Everything else is more or less agreed.

"He's apparently one international short of the required 15 but we shouldn't have any problems."

Ben Haim is keen to join Wanderers after getting to know the players and management on the Portugal tour.

He struck up a good relationship with Jay-Jay Okocha and said: "I had a good chemistry with the players and the staff.

"There are a few things to be resolved but they are not big ones.

"I am happy but I will be happier when I sign the contract."