Traore deal faces big problem

A national newspaper story claiming that Monaco’s 6ft 8in striker Lacina Traore is on his way to Upton Park has been written off by sources close to the player.

The Ivory Coast striker was a Hammers £2 million target a couple of years back and  has since been with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala before moving to the French club.

Within the last two hours it has been reported that he has agreed to join the Hammers on loan, will travel to London for a medical but that the club will have to attend a work permit hearing before he can be declared officially theirs.

However, a source close to the player has told Claretandhugh that he doesn’t believe the deal can happen.

He said: “He doesn’t have the necessary appearance at international level to qualify for a work permit – I really don’t see how it’s possible. I know this player’s situation well.

“We couldn’t get a work permit for him two years ago and very little has changed.

“The Hammers need a straightforward deal anyway – they don’t want to be dragging their feet through a work permit hearing which is likely to fail given the urgency of their situation.”