West Ham negotiators today face some tough talking as they bid to prise left back Timotheee Kolodziejczak out of Nice.
A meeting between the Irons and Nice officials is set up for later today with the Hammers hoping to agree a fee with the French outfit.
We understand the Irons have offered £4 million with Nice wanting nearer £7 million.
ClaretandHugh understands the situation is a near re-run of the talks which eventually saw Cheikhou Kouyate join us.
Kolodziejczak is keen to join the Irons but according to our sources, Nice have the defender priced way above what manager Sam Allardyce believes to be his true value.
A source told us exclusively: “There’s a big meeting today and it will be tough because Nice are playing hardball on the price.
“The player wants to come but given the price they are quoting it looks as though they don’t want him to leave.
“It’s not dead by any means but there has to be some movement. Given that, a deal could well be on but we need to determine there’s a real willingness to sell.
“We have other options and time is on our side but hopefully we can get some answers on this one today.”
Very clever policy for us to be linked with every left back in the known universe. Gives us bargaining power don’t you think? If you want to play for us in the premier league … Otherwise we will sign one of these other left backs. .. Your choice