Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp will take Ravel Morrison to Loftus Road without an option to buy the midfielder at the end of the season.
But should the Hammers midfielder produce the promotion-winning edge for his team, the one-time Irons boss is likely to come in with an opening £6 million bid anyway.
Such a contribution will enhance the players’ value and put the Hammers in the driving seat in any talks
Morrison and his advisers have plumped for QPR ahead of Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Reading because of Redknapp’s reputation of working with players some believe to be “difficult.”
And should the England under-21 provide the quality and creativity to spur Rangers back to the Premier League then the former Upton Park boss is set to move in.
The Hammers are ready to offer Morrison a new deal in the summer – a year ahead of his contract running out but could be tempted to sell at around £8 million.
Morrison is all set to make the move across London next week and a source close to him told ClaretandHugh: “There were plenty of options for us from virtually every top Championship squad but Harry has a tremendous reputation with players of Rav’s type.
“There’s no option to buy and no loan fee has been involved but obviously Rangers can bid at the end of the season.”