West Ham United were reportedly closing in on the signing of Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer.
West Ham are in talks to sign out-of-contract Fulham star Ryan Fredericks, as reported by the likes of Sky Sports.
Fredericks, who has also been interesting other Premier League clubs including Southampton and Crystal Palace, is hot property after enjoying a superb season helping the Cottagers achieve promotion back to the Premier League.
West Ham had reportedly stolen a march on everyone else, though, with Fulham struggling to agree terms over a new contract with the right back.
Football London claims Fredericks is demanding to be Fulham’s highest paid player as part of negotiations with West Ham offering the player the best package.
But with the Hammers looking set to solve a problem position by making Fredericks their first signing, rumours have emerged on fans websites connected to both clubs of a twist in the tale over the transfer with Fulham matching West Ham’s offer.
And that could see Fredericks remain in West London, which would prove an early blow to Manuel Pellegrini’s plans to get as much business done before the World Cup as possible.
If the speculation is true it looks as if West Ham may have been sold a dummy by the player and his representatives in a bid to get the deal he wanted at Fulham.
The 25-year-old, who switched to Craven Cottage after less than a month at Bristol City in 2015, has made over 100 appearances for the west London club.
He is said to be one of five key targets for the Hammers this summer including Felipe Anderson, Marlon Santos, Armando Izzo and Jay Rodriguez.
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