West Ham are this afternoon still locked in talks with Samir Nasri and his advisers as they try to land a deal for the 31 year old out of contract midfielder.
Despite reports that Chinese clubs may be interested in the former Arsenal and Manchester City player Manuel Pellegrini is desperately keen to land the player with whom he enjoyed a good relationship at Manchester City.
But it has become clear that the Hammers will not be ready to pay him an £80k basic wage which early reports suggested may be on offer.
The club are still insisting that a reasonable portion must be appearance related with a senior source again confirming that to ClaretandHugh.
We were told in a brief text message: “We are negotiating but at £80k basic it’s a no. Appearance money has to be involved.”
Should he sign, Nasri will be unable to play for the club until the start of January as he is still serving out a suspension.
I don’t rate him. Never really have. And £80,000 a week for a player who is not yet fit? And yet we continue to haggle with Declan Rice over a new contract? Makes no sense.
Agree 100% the Rice situation should be sorted before we sign any new players, as for Nasri he has a lot of technical ability, whether he is mentally in the right place might be a whole different kettle of fish.