West Ham are bracing themselves for a massive financial hit as they look to offload one of their biggest transfer failures in January.
Claret & Hugh has been informed by a top transfer source that German striker Niclas Füllkrug is “100%” leaving in January, with a deal expected to be a loan with an option — rather than an obligation — to buy, and at a significantly reduced price.
The Hammers had hoped to play hardball over the £27m signing from Borussia Dortmund, but they now want him out of the door as quickly as possible.
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C&H has been told that two German clubs are currently in negotiations, along with AC Milan. “It will be a loan with an option. He will go 100%. West Ham will lose a fortune. AC may take him on loan if Giménez goes, but it’s no more than a 10% chance,” the source revealed.
Another senior West Ham figure previously told C&H that Füllkrug would need to take a pay cut if he wants to leave, with no club currently willing to match his wages, believed to be over £110,000 per week.
Our source reiterated that the Hammers have not bid for any striker despite rumours linking the club with Leonardo. However, we understand they have been offered another Saudi-based midfielder — an approach that was swiftly rejected.