The Hammers may miss out on potential left back target, Reading’s Omar Richards who has been enjoying an outstanding season with the club

The player has been regularly linked with us over the past few weeks and remains very much on manager David Moyes’ wish list.

But it seems the switch is nothing like a formality some might hope as the Royals are now reported to have offered the 22 year what is described by a local journalist as a ‘bumper new deal’ who adds that talks are proceeding well.

The Hammers would have Palace as rivals for the 22 year old who has been a first team ever present for the past two seasons since emerging from the Championship outfit’s academy.

Whether he agrees a deal or not the Royals are unlikely to let him leave in the next window given they are top of the  Championship where they are three points clear and looking for promotion back to the Premier League after being relegated in the 2012-13 season.