Kouyate facing big decision

Given the level of interest – not to mention anxiety among many fans – ClaretandHugh is attempting to bring regular updates on the progress of the on/off Cheikhou Kouyaté saga.

Over the last few hours a new Valencia bid – despite their own financial difficulties – had topped the Hammers offer which is believed to be around £7.5 million.

Anderlecht  want to take the extra money but the Irons believe the Senegal star prefer the chance of a Premier League careerand he thus faces a big decision.

A high level Hammers source  – having learned of Valencia’s new bid – last night told ClaretandHugh he believed our chances of signing the player had reduced from 90 per cent to 25 per cent.

However, he added later he believed  the player is still hankering for a move to London and that “only time would tell if the Hammers were right in that view “.

Meanwhile, with many media outlets claiming this morning that a Hammers medical is due today we have received a further message.

Our source said: “The situation at the moment is quite straightforward. He wants to come, to us we think. His club wants him to go to Valencia for more money. It’s a waiting game.”