The following article is a special report; all information presented, unless otherwise stated, has been gleaned from Football FanCast sources.

West Ham United’s move for Jarrod Bowen has dragged in recent hours due to a key contract clause that will see his wages cut by 50% if the club are relegated from the Premier League, sources have told Football FanCast.

The Hammers remain confident that a deal will be reached with the winger after they agreed a fee with Hull for his services, which stands at £14m up front plus £8m in add-ons.

A source familiar with the negotiations has told FFC that West Ham have offered Bowen, who has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, a weekly wage of £60,000.

However, for the deal to get over the line, Bowen will have to agree to the prospect of that being cut in half if the Irons drop into the Championship.

He currently earns £9,000-per-week at Hull. If West Ham are relegated, his wages will still swell by £21,000-per-week.

David Moyes’ side are currently 17^th in the Premier League, only ahead of AFC Bournemouth on goal difference.

What could've been... Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?

Nevertheless, the feeling at West Ham is that the deal will be completed, despite the hiccup in negotiations.

There have been reports, via The Athletic, that Newcastle United is Bowen’s preferred destination.

However, sources at the Hammers say that he is travelling down to London to sort the finer details of the deal and that he has already passed a medical, which took place in Hull.

Of course, there remains the possibility that things could change – Crystal Palace thought they had agreed a deal for Bowen before West Ham swooped in on Thursday evening – as the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline.

Sources at the east London club previously told FFC, though, that they are willing to go the extra mile to secure his signature. The largely weekly wage is certainly evidence of that, although it appears there is still an obstacle for the Hammers to overcome.

Meanwhile, a former West Ham ace wanted to return to the club!