West Ham confident over £40.5m star's future at London Stadium

West Ham United are ‘very relaxed’ amid a delay in contract negotiations with Tomas Soucek as the Hammers do not feel the midfielder will seek a move away from the London Stadium, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

Soucek has gone on to become a key member of the east Londoners’ squad since making his initial loan switch from Slavia Prague permanent for a fee of £17.4million close to two years ago.

Soucek’s current West Ham contract, which is worth £47,000-per-week, is due to expire in the summer of 2024.

Although the Hammers initially looked to tie Soucek down to fresh terms ahead of the upcoming transfer window, 90min have revealed discussions over a new deal have been put on hold until the end of the season.

Despite being unable to reach an agreement which would see the 48-cap Czech Republic international earn an improved deal, the report suggests there remains a willingness from both parties for Soucek to commit his long-term future to West Ham.

The Hammers first headed to the negotiating table with the 6 ft 4 star and his representatives in the final days of the January transfer window, further emphasising that the east Londoners are eager to keep Soucek on their books.

West Ham first-team coach Stuart Pearce has insisted Soucek is ‘going nowhere’ this summer and ‘very happy’ at the London Stadium.

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Brown believes West Ham are not fearful of Soucek looking to leave the club in the summer, resulting in the Hammers being calm despite failing to persuade him to sign on the dotted line.

The journalist feels boss David Moyes cannot afford to let Soucek depart amid ongoing speculation over fellow central midfielder Declan Rice’s future.

Brown