West Ham have asked Ajax about a loan for striker Brian Brobbey, with an obligation to buy in the summer but the Dutch side want cash now to re-invest.
The Hammers need a replacement for Michail Antonio, who suffered a horrific car accident that left him fearing for his life last month.
The West Ham star required surgery after suffering a broken leg and is expected to be out for months on end after being extracted from his £260,000 Ferrari.
West Ham view Brobbey as a potential target for the January transfer window, but face stiff competition from Tottenham.