Nuno Espirito Santo wants a reunion with Fulham winger Adama Traore at West Ham in the January transfer window.
West Ham have even held face-to-face talks for Traore, as they aim to give Nuno what he wants this month.
However, Fulham appear to be complicating things, which is primarily why the deal has not been completed yet.
Adama Traore has a dismal minutes-to-goal record in the Premier League 😲
West Ham are sleepwalking towards relegation with this transfer…
Adama Traore now unlikely to leave Fulham
According to Jack Kelly, Fulham appear to be playing hardball with regard to the potential departure of the Spanish winger.
They want the Hammers to pay £7million even though his contract is running out at the end of the season, making him a free agent.
Kelly, an independent journalist covering Fulham, said: “Adama I don’t think he’s going to get sold at this stage unless West Ham pay the seven million pounds that Fulham want.
“West Ham might say you’re taking the p— we’re not going to pay seven million.
“Well, we’re not going to sell a squad player to a direct rival in the Premier League for pennies. Either pay the money or don’t.
“That’s basically the situation that we’re in. So I don’t think Adama is going to go anywhere soon, which is fine. It’s another option that we need.”
David Sullivan decides to pull plug on Adama Traore-West Ham deal
As things stand, David Sullivan is not expected to sanction a £7million January move for Traore.
According to Give Me Sport, the Hammers chairman is unwilling to fork out what the Cottagers want as he does not see value in the deal.
While he has temporarily pulled the plug, it has been claimed that the London Stadium may be compelled into meeting Fulham’s asking price as the window draws towards a close.
This is shocking! 😰 Relegation is going to be dire for West Ham…
What would YOU do to avoid this mess?
However, alternatives are being considered as West Ham have held discussions for Steven Bergwijn, who could leave Al Ittihad.
It remains to be seen if there is genuine interest in the Dutchman, or if it is a way to show the Cottagers that they are prepared to walk away from the deal.
A compromise could be agreed upon in the final days of the window if both clubs and Traore still want the deal to go forward.
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