West Ham are working hard to convince Maxi Gomez to join them - but it appears the striker is now leaning towards a move to Valencia, Sky Sports News understands.
Valencia can offer the Celta Vigo striker the chance to remain in Spain and are offering former Celta Vigo player Santi Mina as part of the deal.
Although both West Ham and Valencia previously had offers of £29m plus add-ons accepted by Celta, they are now believed to be demanding £45m.
One source has told Sky Sports News the Hammers are prepared to meet a £40m release clause in the Uruguayan's contract.
If West Ham do manage to convince Gomez to join them, an agreement over personal terms is not expected to pose a problem.
The lure of Champions League football at Valencia constitutes a major pull factor for Gomez regarding his choice of club.
Meanwhile, club sources have told Sky Sports News that West Ham accepted a "terrible deal" for Marko Arnautovic, with Manuel Pellegrini eyeing up Gomez as his replacement.