They call it the biggest prize in the world of football. Wembley hosts the Championship play-off finals this afternoon, with the winner of the play-off final set to receive at least £160m in revenue.
That figure, which has been calculated by Deloitte and is spread over three years, could rise to £280m if either Aston Villa or Fulham manage to survive one season after reaching the top flight.
West Ham could share in Aston Villa’s windfall should they win today. The Hammers have a promotion clause in Robert Snodgrass season-long loan deal which would see a significant bonus paid out to the Irons should Snodgrass received a winners medal.
West Ham previously put a £12m price tag on Snodgrass but that valuation could be set to increase after a successful loan for the Hammer and Aston Villa would be undoubtingly willing to pay more should they be playing in the Premier League next season.
There is still a chance that Pellegrini will want Snodgrass in his squad next season with the Scottish player expected to join the pre-season training camp.
A senior West Ham source told Claret and Hugh this morning: “We inserted a promotion bonus clause into his loan even though Villa were hard to deal with and the only club interested in loaning him. He’s done well at Villa and we have some value again or we might keep him”