Diafra Sakho pushing for Rennes move as West Ham block transfer after striker travels to France for medical

  • Diafra Sahko is set to leave West Ham after an unsuccessful three-year spell The 
  • Frenchman scored 12 goals in his first season after joining from Metz in 2014 
  • But injuries limited him to just four appearances for the Hammers last term

Diafra Sakho wants to return to France and bring an end to his time at West Ham.

The 27-year-old travelled to France on Wednesday to pass a medical with Rennes after they agreed to pay a £9million fee to West Ham.


However, the London Stadium club called a halt to the move as they want him to stay as cover.

Sakho was keen to join Rennes but had a medical in France without West Ham's permission

Diafra Sakho is set to leave West Ham United after passing a medical with French club Rennes

Crystal Palace also offered £10m for Sakho but co-chairman David Gold tweeted: 'Diafra Sakho is not for sale in this transfer window he is an integral part of our first team squad and will play a part in our recovery.'

Sakho was still in France on Wednesday evening and hopes West Ham re-consider their stance. The club had been looking to offload him prior to this week and the Rennes proposal has matched their initial demands.

He scored 12 goals in all competitions in his first season at the club but has since endured an injury-hit period with back and hamstring problems restricting him to 54 appearances during his three years.

A spokesman for Rennes said they were surprised at West Ham's decision as they had conducted discussions correctly and had agreed to West Ham's fee plus a sizeable sell-on clause.

Rennes coach Christian Gourcuff, who has already agreed to sign Sunderland winger Wahbi Khazri on loan, is an admirer of Sakho's from his time in the French league with Metz and is keen for him to spearhead a new-look strikeforce.

The 27-year-old striker managed just 54 appearances for the club across three seasons

The 27-year-old striker managed just 54 appearances for the club across three seasons