According to a report from France Football, West Ham are actively trying to sign Nantes midfield warrior Abdoulaye Toure.
The problem is, the Hammers want a loan deal with an option to buy the 25-year-old, whereas Nantes want €15 million (£12.5 million) up front.
West Ham desperately lack any kind of power, physicality and mobility in the middle of the park.
And Toure could be the answer to their problems.
France Football claims that the Hammers want to sign the 6ft 2in powerhouse on loan, but Nantes would prefer to sell the player for around £12.5 million.
West Ham just need to pay up
Toure has all of the attributes that the Hammers currently lack in the middle of the park.
The 25-year-old is extremely mobile and athletic. He is powerful and tenacious in the tackle. And the Frenchman would add a real level of physicality to West Ham’s engine room.
It is the kind of signing that could totally transform the east London outfit overnight. And they should just pay up for Toure. After all, £12.5 million in this day and age is not a lot of money.

The Nantes ace seems to be ready made for the Premier League, what with his robust and physical playing style.
West Ham are in a real relegation battle. And they are crying out for someone like Toure. He really could make all the difference for them.
The Hammers owners need to stop dithering and just get this deal done. It could mean the difference between relegation and survival for them this season.
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