West Ham United could face a stumbling block in their pursuit of FC Metz forward Pape Moussa Fall this summer.
The giant 6ft 8ins striker gained plenty of admirers following his successful loan spell La Louvière last season.
The Senegalese target man scored 12 goals in 29 appearances as he helped to keep the club in the top-flight of Belgian football.
Fall joined French side Metz in 2024 from RFC Seraing but he has spent the last two seasons out on loan.
West Ham are said to be interested in securing Fall's signature, while Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham have also been mooted as potential destinations.
However, a deal to sign Fall could prove to be problematic.
French news outlet Info have claimed that there is no intention from FC Metz to negotiate a sale.
It remains to be seen whether that stance will remain in the event that West Ham make a substantial bid for the player.
The Hammers are looking to build a squad that is capable of sealing an immediate return to the Premier League.
They might now have more money available in the pot they initially thought following Mateus Fernandes' big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur.
