English Championship side Leicester City have joined the chase to sign Ghana international defender John Paintsil but his high salary could scupper the deal.
The 29-year-old’s contract with Premier League side Fulham will not be extended when it expires this summer.
His availability on a free transfer has alerted several clubs in England, France and Germany with Premier League sides in the frame.
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is keen reuniting with the right-back who was excelled during the coach’s reign at Fulham.
Queens Park Rangers are also reported to be keen on Paintsil but Leicester have entered to race to enable them boost their squad for next season.
However, his £25,000 per week wage demands may be a stumbling block.
The Ghana international may have to lower his expectations if he wants to join coach Sven-Goran Eriksson at Leicester who are keen on promotion next season.
Paintsil is keen to stay in England as his family is settled in the European country but Leicester will not pay unreasonably high wages.
Paintsil has been capped 66 times by Ghana and has played in the Premier League since 2006, when he joined West Ham United from Hapoel Tel Aviv.
He made only 19 appearances for the Hammers before switching to Craven Cottage in 2008.
He was a virtual ever-present under Roy Hodgson but was banished from the first team picture after making early season errors when Mark Hughes took over.
