Everton were said to be close to agreeing a move for Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun but rumours suggest West Ham United could steal in and scupper the deal.
West Ham and Everton are both in search of new recruits in January.
David Moyes has admitted he wants to bring in more quality to help the Hammers in the battle against relegation.
While Sam Allardyce has managed to push Everton into the relative comfort of mid table, he too is keen to add a striker to his ranks with the club having failed to adequately replace Romelu Lukaku in the summer.
But Allardyce’s lack of conviction when pressed about the move and the fact Tosun posted pictures of himself in London on New Year’s Eve has led to speculation online that West Ham have stolen a march on Everton.
The Hammers have been linked with Tosun in the past and with the likes of Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew looking likely to leave West Ham this month, Moyes will need reinforcements.
Everton were believed to be unwilling to go any higher than £25 million to get their man.
So when speculation on Twitter suggested the Hammers had a bid of £27 million accepted, it sent Everton fans into meltdown.
If West Ham do manage to steal Tosun from under Everton’s nose, it would be a measure of revenge after the Toffees did the same to the East Londoners with Henry Onyekuru back in the summer before promptly loaning him to Anderlecht.
That transfer angered West Ham fans who would love nothing more than to see their club get one up on Everton and their old boss Allardyce.
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