Hammers hopeful as Kouyate talks progress

West Ham are now very “hopeful” that Cheikhou Kouyate will become the second player to commit his future to the club in a few days.

Talks are now proceeding between Davis Sullivan –  Director of Football in all but name – and the Sengalese midfielder aimed at agreeing a four year deal.

Just four days ago we revealed from a senior source that the club – under the headline Irons to tie up three star contracts this month – that Payet, Kuyate and Lanzini would be sorted and the Irons are now well ahead of schedule

Kouyate  currently has two years left on his contract and the club hold an option and this morning we were told by a senior source: “We are hopeful…  things are going well and looking positive.”

The offer comes after interest from Spurs following interest from Spurs last year. They were understood to be ready with a £15 million offer but were given very short shrift.

Now, under their ‘Reward for Excellence’ scheme, the Irons  are now ready to give the player an improved deal with appearance bonuses on top of a bigger basic wage .