West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek would be prepared to pull out of contract negotiations if the deal on the table is not deemed satisfactory, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Czech international still has over two years remaining on his current deal at the London Stadium but Jones says he will expect a decent pay rise on the reported £47,000 a week he is currently earning:

“If he’s not satisfied with the offer, he’d walk away from the table, I’m told.”

There was some speculation last week that players, including Soucek, were outraged to hear that Kurt Zouma is earning £125,000 a week, but that was quickly refuted by respected sources.

However, it does still appear that Soucek’s entourage will play hardball in talks. Whether they will have much leverage, though, is another matter. Manchester United have been linked with the 26-year-old but that was almost a year ago.

Considering the Hammers are challenging for a top-four finish, and going strong in Europe, you can’t imagine Soucek would find a better club if he were to withdraw from contract discussions.