Sunderland’s negotiations with West Ham over deals for James Tomkins and Diafra Sakho have stalled, according to a report from the Northern Echo.
The report reveals Sunderland had an £8million ‘verbal offer’ for Tomkins knocked back, with the Hammers standing firm on their £11million valuation. West Ham are convinced their asking price will be met as Tomkins has attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Stoke and West Brom, as well as the Black Cats.
Sunderland also attempted to persuade West Ham to lower their £15million asking price for Diafra Sakho, but West Ham are unwilling to negotiate for a lower transfer fee this early in the summer. Should West Ham’s striker search progress from the stage of having multiple bids rejected, they may consider lowering Sakho’s asking price.
West Ham’s stance has not changed and they are still prepared to offload the pair, but will not be held to ransom – especially before the transfer window has even officially opened.
