West Ham fear Andy Carroll has had his head turned by the prospect of a loan move to Chelsea.
The east Londoners have been offered a swap deal by the defending Premier League champions which would see Michy Batshuayi go the other way.
West Ham would prefer a straight cash deal but Carroll is understood to have his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge where he would play Champions League football.
It has been suggested that the 29-year-old target man has an ankle injury.
Carroll has missed the past two games and will not feature against Shrewsbury in the Irons’ FA Cup third round reply tonight.
West Ham have scanned the injury but the results are understood to have been inconclusive.
Carroll opened his league account for the season to help West Ham come from behind to beat West Brom a fortnight ago.
He was on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Spurs two days later when he came on for the final five minutes.
Chelsea have been targeting a tall striker and also have Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke on their shortlist. It is understood, however, that Carroll would be their preference.