West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho is being primed for a January departure from the London Stadium, according Evening Standard reports.
The 27-year-old tried to force a departure from the Hammers during the summer with a deal agreed between himself and Rennes, to the extent of having a medical with the Ligue Un club on transfer deadline day.
However, West Ham refused to release the striker despite intense negotiations between the club’s owners and Sakho.
The Evening Standard claims Sakho stayed when the Premier League club offered him “substantial appearance money, reported to be £50,000.”
Having become one of West Ham’s highest earners, Sakho found himself relegated to the substitute’s bench whereupon his appearance fee reduced to £25,000 every time he was called upon. Crucially, he convinced neither Slaven Bilic or David Moyes that he was the answer to the Hammers woes in front of goal.
Moyes, it seems, has called time on Sakho’s career in London with the Senegalese international searching for a new club. Championship high-flyers Cardiff City are interested in the striker but do not possess the finances to meet West Ham’s valuation.
Sakho is left to hope that Rennes can be persuaded to reignite their interest. Les Rouges et Noirs are currently 9th, easing clear of the relegation places, but some way off the last Europa League spot.
