West Ham remain keen to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa with the midfielder currently keeping his options open over his long-term future.
Though Ramsey is well-regarded by Villa boss Unai Emery, his status as a homegrown player means an eventual transfer fee represents pure profit in the club accounts – crucial in the current era of Premier League spending rules.
Villa have been willing to listen to offers for Ramsey since the transfer window opened and are thought to value him at about £40million.
Though they have yet to make a formal offer, it is thought the Hammers have identified Ramsey as an ideal player to strengthen their midfield yet Mail Sport understands the 24-year-old has so far yet to be convinced by the idea of joining Villa's Premier League rivals.