West Ham demanding nearly double player’s value in major shake-up as contract talks off

West Ham United were held to a frustrating draw by Queens Park Rangers on Friday, although Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain among the favourites to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

The Hammers have made a promising start to life in the Championship following last season’s relegation, but were unable to claim all three points on their return to action after the international break.

One major positive was the return of Tomas Soucek, who made his first appearance of the campaign after recovering from a serious ankle injury.

The Czech midfielder endured a difficult evening – perhaps expected following such a lengthy lay-off – with some sloppy moments and a controversial penalty decision overshadowing his long-awaited comeback.

Soucek appeared to win the ball cleanly in a challenge on Paul Smyth outside the penalty area, but referee Ruebyn Ricardo awarded a spot-kick, allowing Nicolas Madsen to put QPR ahead.

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old was delighted to be back on the pitch and is determined to help West Ham return to the top flight.

“Obviously, it was great to be on the pitch,” Soucek told West Ham TV. “Obviously, I’m disappointed how it ended today because I wanted to come in a much better way, but I just need more confidence, more playing time and to be ready because I’m so happy to be on the pitch.

“The fans were friendly today, so I just wanted to enjoy it, but obviously, my performance needs to be better.

Soucek was also frustrated by the penalty decision, insisting that he had made a fair challenge outside the box.

“I saw it like a clear chance, I was so happy I recovered the ball and I just didn’t know what the referee whistled for after [the challenge] because there’s no touch,” he said.

“It’s one metre from the box and then it’s a clear ball challenge, so I’m just disappointed because it impacted myself, it impacted the team as well, so it’s very disappointing.

“But then it’s the referee’s decision and I can’t change that unfortunately.”

With Soucek now available, Nuno has a strong spine of experienced players to rely upon, but having only just welcomed one key player back from injury, the Hammers could now face a battle to prevent another from leaving in January.

West Ham face Konstantinos Mavropanos transfer battle

According to reports shared by LiveScore, Europa League clubs Besiktas and Olympiakos are both interested in signing Konstantinos Mavropanos, who is valued at around £15m.

The Greece international is currently under contract at the London Stadium until 2028, but there are no plans for an extension at present, leaving the club in a difficult position if they wish to get full value for the 28-year-old, which they believe to be closer to £25m-£30m.

Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal were reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation during the summer, and while there is no indication that the Hammers are actively looking to sell, his contract situation could force Nuno into an uncomfortable shake-up in the heart of his defence.

Konstantinos Mavropanos has been crucial for West Ham this season

Mavropanos’ importance has not gone unnoticed by Nuno, who was full of praise for the former Arsenal man following the draw with QPR.

“All of the players are very important, but Dinos has been huge for us,” Nuno said. “Credit to him, but also credit to the accuracy of the deliveries for all of his goals – they have been very consistent!

“It (his goals) helps the attacking players, but at the same time we have to look at the other side of things. Defending set-pieces is so important, and we know as a whole squad that we still need to improve a lot.”

Losing Mavropanos midway through the season would represent a significant blow to West Ham, particularly given his consistency, goalscoring contributions and experience at the highest level.

The Hammers will be determined to keep their key players together as they pursue promotion, with Nuno’s side facing Lincoln City next up in another important Championship fixture.

For now, Mavropanos remains central to those ambitions, but his future could become a major talking point as the January transfer window approaches.