Spanish Playmaker With £26m Buyout Clause Set To Reject Offer From West Ham

Villarreal midfielder Pablo Fornals has rejected the chance to join either West Ham or Fulham in January, according to reports from Spain.

The 22-year-old has a €30m (£26m) buyout clause with both Premier Leagues believed to be prepared to match it.

However, Fornals is said to be unwilling to leave the Yellow Submarine before the end of the season, as he wants to help turn around the club’s fortunes.

Villarreal currently sit 16th in the La Liga table, just one point off the bottom three. It is a stark contrast to last season when the team finished just outside the Champions League places.

The Hammers could return for Fornals in the summer when he may be more willing to move, but by that time the midfielder’s release clause could have increased.

Spain manager Luis Enrique has called up the player for the games against Croatia and Bosnia this week, and with his stock rising Villarreal may look to offer the player a new deal with a much higher buyout fee.