West Ham United have held a long-standing interest in Chelsea outcast Michy Batshuayi.
West Ham had a then club record £35 million offer for Batshuayi accepted by Marseille in 2016.
But the Belgian striker opted to join Chelsea instead after they matches the Hammers’ bid.
West Ham have been linked with a move for Batshuayi every transfer window since as he somewhat predictably struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge.
This window has been no different particularly after the striker saw his loan at Valencia cut short this month.
Michy Monaco deal stalls
His return to Chelsea is only expected to be brief, though, with a host of clubs vying for his signature.
Monaco boss Thierry Henry, who coached Batshuayi for the Belgian national team, was widely expected to land the striker on loan.
But that move has now been thrown into doubt according to a new report from RMC Sport in France, as reported by Get Football News France.
The reason? Chelsea have been so inundated with offers they are delaying any deal until deciding what move best suits the West London club.
That will offer huge encouragement to Manuel Pellegrini who faces big problems on the striker front.
Pellegrini must pounce amid striker uncertainty
Marko Arnautovic is being heavily tipped for a big money move to China. Andy Carroll’s contract is up in the summer. And both Javier Hernandez and Lucas Perez have both been linked with January moves to La Liga.
Batshuayi would revel in the team Pellegrini is building at West Ham.
With the likes of Samir Nasri, Felipe Anderson and when fit Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere and Andriy Yarmolenko supplying the ammunition he would be assured of a starting place AND goals.
It seems the perfect match. But first West Ham must convince Chelsea the London Stadium is the right next step for the 25-year-old.