Hammers eyeing Sunderland striker developments

West Ham are watching carefully as Sunderland boss Gus Poyet moves heaven and earth to convince Connor Wickham to sign a new long term deal.

The Hammers have already put in two bid believed to be as high as £6 million for the striker but “pulled out” yesterday (Wed) when the Black Cats declared he’s 100 per cent not for sale.

However, the Irons realise the Black Cats are playing a high risk game and are standing possibly ready to go ‘all in’ should talks fail.

The player is valued at £8m  but with loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds behind him plus a low premier League goals tally the Hammers are not going to meet that level of bidding.

However, with the England under-21 international keen to talk with the Irons and with a 20-25 per cent pay offer likely to be made, all the balls are still in the air.

A source told ClaretandHugh: “We never never say never in this game – I could even visualise seeing a deal for Diafra Sakho resurrected in certain circumstances. It’s called the transfer window!”