Hammers locked in defender talks

West Ham are tonight locked into talks with Anderlecht to make Cheikhou Kouyaté their big summer signing.

Having been given permission to talk to the player,  the club’s negotiators have all but agreed a deal with the central defender who is desperately keen to sign up at the Boleyn.

However, the Hammers have to agree a fee with the Belgian club and at the moment the two clubs are struggling to agree the figure.

Valencia had earlier offered around £7.5 million for the 24 year old but  Cheikhou wants to continue his career in the Premier League.

ClaretandHugh understands the Hammers offer may be  shy of that but talks are continuing in the hope of resolving the problem.

A source told us a few minutes ago: “The player wants to come but there seems to be a problem with the fee.”