West Ham and Stoke are still quite far apart on their valuation of Joe Allen, according to the Guardian. Manager David Moyes is a big fan of the Welsh international but the Potters have been demanding £12m for the midfielder.

The Hammers are believed to be keen on lowering the Championship side’s demands, but it remains to be seen if both sides can come to an agreement.

It is not known whether West Ham want Allen in addition to Benfica’s Gedson Fernandes or as a potential fallback option. The Irons have been locked in negotiations for the 20-year-old but talks have not progressed.

Reports in the Portuguese press claim the involvement of agents Jorge Mendes and Pini Zahavi have complicated discussions, and there is also speculation that the two clubs have yet to agree the price for the purchase option in the player’s loan deal.

At the moment, then, a deal for Allen could well be more likely, although a breakthrough in talks for Fernandes may still happen.