Will West Ham beat West Brom to Tom Cairney after £15m bid?

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West Ham United have seen an initial bid for Fulham star Tom Cairney rejected, but do Premier League rivals West Brom have any hope of matching it?

It seems that Fulham are increasingly open to the idea of selling star man and captain Tom Cairney this month.

The Birmingham Mail stated recently that the Cottagers want a striker to fire them to promotion this season and could be willing to cash in on Cairney in order to fund a deal, expected to be for summer target and Newcastle United number nine Dwight Gayle.

But which lucky Premier League side will be able to call on the services of the reigning EFL Player of the Year?

West Brom made a £12 million bid earlier in the transfer window according to the Sun but, as it stands, it appears that West Ham are now the clear front-runners to sign the Scotland international play-maker.

Sky Sports state that the Hammers have offered £15 million for Cairney, who scored 13 goals and set up another 10 in the Championship last season, as David Moyes’ search for a creative hub goes on.

It is understood that Fulham have rejected West Ham’s opening bid, however, and will demand more for arguably the most gifted midfielder outside of the Premier League.

But this could leave West Brom choking on West Ham’s dust. Financial Fair Play restrictions mean the Baggies have been restricted in their spending this month with no new players arriving at The Hawthorns so far.

So it seems unlikely that West Brom could compete if their Premier League rivals decide to up their initial £15 million offer.