West Ham look likely to lose out to AC Milan for the signing of Genoa’s Krzysztof Piatek.
Various media reports in Italy say West Ham have agreed to pay the £35m asking price for the Poland striker but are still likely to miss out.
Milan apparently have first refusal on the 23-year-old, so the Hammers’ offer has been rejected after Milan also offered £35m and had their bid accepted.
Piatek is now discussing personal terms ahead of an expected move to the San Siro. Some reports in Italy and Poland suggest personal terms have already been agreed.
Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini has refused to be drawn on the issue of Marko Arnautovic’s future or the possibility of West Ham bringing in a replacement.
Arnautovic wants a move to China and has also been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks.
The forward is keen to leave but Hammers boss Pellegrini does not believe Arnautovic will create similar problems to Dimitri Payet, who refused to play when trying to force a move from the London Stadium.
“I don’t think the player will refuse to play,” Pellegrini said at the press conference on Thursday afternoon.
“Marko is working with the team without any problem.
“Maybe when you have so high an offer everyone wants to leave, but he has a contract here so we (will) know what happens about that in the next days.
“Everyone will see about the future – what is the best option for him – and now we will see.”
Pellegrini was also asked about reports Javier Hernandez could be on his way out of the club.
“There are just rumours about so many players coming to West Ham or going from West Ham,” Pellegrini said.
“Javier is part of the squad. Unfortunately for him, this season he has had two long injuries. But he’s continued to be an important player for us.”
And Pellegrini refused to confirm that Piątek has been lined up as a possible replacement for either player.
“No, no, no. I don’t want to talk about any rumours about players coming or going,” he said.
“It’s impossible to talk about so many names that are always involved around this club.”