The 21-year-old maestro could be allowed to depart the capital for a reduced fee of around £70m despite his employers initially slapping a prohibitive £84m valuation on their prize asset. The Hammers' bargaining position has been severely compromised following their catastrophic relegation from the Premier League, which has left them vulnerable to top-flight vultures.
To balance the books, the London club may be forced to sanction the sale of the former Southampton man just 12 months after signing him, particularly as the player has expressed little desire to ply his trade in the second tier, further accelerating internal boardroom discussions regarding a summer compromise.