West Ham could be ready to revive their interest in Fulham’s outcast French midfield man Steed Malbranque.
Fulham boss Chris Coleman has told the 26-year-old French star he will not play for the club again after refusing to sign a new contract.
And BBC Sport understands the Hammers may now move again for Malbranque in a cut-price £2.5m deal before the transfer window closes.
Malbranque has already turned down a £4m move to Middlesbrough.
He wants to see out the remaining year of his contract and leave for free but Coleman wants to sell the player.
“We’ve agreed fees with other clubs but he doesn’t want to move. He wants to see his contract out so he can move on for nothing next summer,” said Coleman.
“I’ve told Steed to his face, he won’t play for Fulham even if he’s fit.”
“We’ve had good service from a quality player, but he’s had good service from us too, so it works both ways.
“Letting him walk away is bad business on our part and we have to set a precedent for other players. We can’t let players who we have invested a lot of money in walk away for nothing.”
