King in frame as Benrahma deal becomes ‘complicated’

CandH Exclusive by Hughie Southon

West Ham are continuing “complicated” talks over signing Brentford’s Said Benrahma whilst remaining a big interest  in Josh King should they fail!

Benrahma is being represented by his former agent Will Salthouse and new representative in the negotiations and although an £18 million bid has been accepted by the Championship outfit, we have learned there are still many is and ts to be crossed.

The deal is very much at a 50/50 state of play and as a result the King option remains strongly  in the Hammers picture.

Should things collapse on Benrahma it is now certain the Hammers will  go back and increase the £13 million offer they have on the table for King to around the £18 million at which Bournemouth value the 28 year old.

The Norwegian internationals and thoroughly proven Premier League striker – despite an injury over 37 days last season-  managed nine goals at a club which was finally relegated.

David Moyes is believed to prefer King to Benrahma and it is also being described to us as a very  straightforward deal to accomplish at the fee and personal terms required.