West Ham have been told to pay £7million for Fulham Winger Adama Traore.
Hammers and Fulham officials held their first face-to-face discussions about a deal for the powerful Spanish winger during last Saturday’s game between the two London clubs.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo fancies a reunion with burly Traore, who he previously managed at Wolves.
Traore, 29, is in the final year of his contract and can walk away for nothing at the end of the season.
But Fulham also know that struggling West Ham are desperate for players this month as they face an increasingly uphill battle to stay in the Premier League.
Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with Brighton saw them lead twice but still finish the game lucky to get away with a point because of their lack of punch going forwards.
West Ham are third from bottom and effectively five points from safety due to their worrying goal difference of minus-17.
The other sticking point to a deal is the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fulham have winger Samuel Chukwueze on duty in Morocco along with club mates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
Fulham are reluctant to let Traore go until the Nigeria trio are back in England – which might not be until after the January 18 final.
West Ham will try to knock the price down but Fulham are in no hurry to sell their player either.
The club is even pondering whether to offer Traore a new contract for next season and get him to stay.
Traore plays predominantly on the right wing but can also switch to the left flank.
West Ham have been weak in that area of the pitch as Cryscencio Summerville has scored only once since joining in August 2024.