West Ham: 'Talks put on hold' over deal for £40.5m giant

West Ham United’s contract talks with Tomas Soucek ‘have been put on hold’ due to failing to reach a breakthrough in negotiations, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Soucek has been a key player since joining the Hammers in a £17.5million deal from Slavia Prague, having initially impressed on loan in 2020, but the east Londoners have failed to extend his contract after holding talks.

According to 90min, West Ham have shelved discussions over extending Soucek’s contract 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 to agree fresh terms.

It first emerged that the east Londoners had headed to the negotiating table with the 27-year-old during the January transfer window, with West Ham hoping to fend off interest due to 6 ft 4 giant Soucek catching the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Soucek’s current agreement – worth £47,000-per-week – is due to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning the Hammers will still be in the driving seat if suitors look to test their resolve at the end of the season.

While there is uncertainty over the central midfielder’s long-term future, 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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Jones understands that West Ham have walked away from the negotiating table after failing to reach a compromise with Soucek over his demands.

The transfer insider feels the Hammers will return for fresh talks with the £40.5million-rated star in the closing