West Ham United have warned the representatives of Genk striker Paul Onuachu that they will not be forced into paying more than they consider acceptable for the striker.
That’s according to Own Goal Nigeria, who carry comments from a source close to the negotiations who is warning the whole thing could come crashing down.
West Ham have been regularly linked with the striker for the last few months after he scored 35 goals for the Belgian side last season.
It’s well established that David Moyes wants to add more firepower to his forward line, and the Nigerian would fit the bill, but the Hammers are refusing to budge on their valuation.
While Genk are insisting on a fee that could rise to €30m, and would settle for €25m with clauses, West Ham have made it clear they will only go as high as €15m, €10m less than what Genk are looking for.
Preliminary talks have taken place between everyone concerned, but they have failed to reach a compromise, and West Ham are now threatening to pull out and focus on other targets if a deal can’t be reached by the first week of next month.
That means the race is one for everyone to find a compromise, although a source close to the negotiations is not confident that’ll happen.
“It’s a mess right now because Onuachu wants to leave, but Genk’s asking price is scaring away suitors,” the source is quoted as saying.
“Even the much talked about West Ham deal is in jeopardy after initial talks.
“He is 26, and clubs expect Genk to be modest in their demands, but that is not the case at the moment.”
