West Ham transfer news: Caleta-Car talks held as decision made on Newcastle target Diop | Football | Sport
West Ham have failed with an opening offer for Marseille centre-back Duje Caleta-Car. The Croatian international – previously of Red Bull Salzburg – has been a long-term defensive target for the Irons, who have previously held discussions over a move for the 25-year-old.
Marseille are willing to sell the player this month given he is now in the final 18 months of his contract but are insisting on a £15million permanent deal.
Meanwhile, West Ham would prefer to negotiate a loan with an option to buy later this summer.
Express Sport understands the Hammers have now seen a proposal rejected by the Ligue 1 club, who are also aware of interest from Wolves.
David Moyes came close to landing Fiorentina’s Serbian international defender Nikola Milenkovic last summer before a deal collapsed in the final stages.
TOP STORY: Liverpool close in on £50m Luis Diaz transfer after hijacking Tottenham deal
The Magpies have been lingering around the former Toulouse man since the start of the transfer window but are yet to launch a formal offer.
However, Express Sport understands any offers will be rejected should they arrive with West Ham keen to keep Diop at all costs.
With Angelo Ogbonna now out for the season, West Ham want to bolster their defensive options, not weaken them.
Caleta-Car is not the only Marseille player the east London club have held talks for though in weeks gone by.
WATCH: RYAN TAYLOR BRINGS YOU THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS INCLUDING TOTTENHAM’s MOVE FOR LUIS DIAZ – VIDEO
