West Ham are today bracing themselves for a fresh move from Hull to grab Mohammed Diame.

But the Irons will not allow the midfielder to leave until  their former Birmingham City  boss Steve Bruce digs up the full £3.5 million required under the term of the midfielder’s “escape” clause.

That remains at £3.5 million and the Hammers won’t budge until the Tigers agree to the terms.

Bruce – having learned the  style in which David Sullivan and David Gold operate in the market – may have believed that as Diame had just a year left on his contract – the club would accept a lower figure.

But yesterday’s inquiry was met with a flat ‘no deal’ although a well placed Hammers source made it clear we will have to sell should City come back with the £3.5 million.

And the Hammers may require the money to be paid in full rather than over the usual ‘three tranche’ arrangement.

Our source explained: “There was a bid but below the the trigger clause and the club won’t sell until that is met. It’s possible they will be back.”

“We believe we have a replacement lined up should City come back for Mo in those circumstances.”