Sources: Major update on West Ham bid to sign Kral after new talks held

Sources: Major update on West Ham bid to sign Kral after new talks held

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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West Ham have reignited their interest in Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral as they look to get him for a cut-price, Football Insider has learned.

But negotiations then stalled as Kral, 23, competed for his country in the Euros during what was a disappointing tournament for him personally.

A West Ham source told Football Insider that they are still in contact over a potential deal for the midfielder.

But they will not pay the £20m-plus fee, including add-ons, that Spartak wanted before the Euros.

The Irons are confident that Kral could now be lured from the Russian big hitters for a cheaper price than six week s ago.

West Ham discussed a lucrative five-year contract with the 22-times international that would provide a significant pay rise.

His current deal runs for three more years until the summer of 2024.

Kral featured 29 times for Spartak as they finished 2nd in the Russian Premier League last season.

He spent his formative years playing for Teplice and Slavia Prague in his homeland before switching to the 22-time Russian champions in 2019.

The London club's interest in Kral comes at a time of major doubt over Declan Rice's long-term future.

He has rejected multiple contract offers from the club and is a target for the likes of Chelsea and Man United.

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