Yakubu Ayigbeni

Everton are reportedly making it difficult for West Ham to secure the services of striker Yakubu Ayigbeni by inflating his price tag.

Hammers boss Avram Grant was hoping to land the Nigeria international to bolster his squad for a massive assault on the second round to propel the club from its current relegation position.

But with Toffees asking price of £8m, the move to Upton Park now appears highly unlikely as West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said publicly that Yakubu was worth “£1m to £2m”.

Grant is aware of Yakubu’s qualities having worked with him when manager of Maccabi Haifa in 2002.