West Ham close to Pablo deal after balking at £40m fee for Wolves' Strand Larsen

West Ham, who are closing in on a deal for the Fulham winger Adama Traoré, made an informal inquiry for Strand Larsen this month but have identified the €20m Brazilian at Gil Vicent as a cheaper option

TOO HIGH: Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen (left) and Arsenal's Jurrien Timber battle for the ball during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire

West Ham are in advanced talks over a deal for the Gil Vicente forward Pablo after having second thoughts about bidding for the Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Nuno Espírito Santo, whose side are at major risk of relegation from the Premier League, wants attacking reinforcements and club sources indicated on Tuesday that an opening offer for Strand Larsen was being prepared. However, there is a scattergun feel to West Ham’s recruitment and they have developed cold feet over the finances around Strand Larsen. Wolves want £40m for the Norwegian, whose wage demands are high.