17876 - Robbie Keane too expensive for West Ham

West Ham United could be forced to admit defeat over the pursuit of Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, after talks broke down over his demands.

Keane is out of favour at White Hart Lane and is expected to move on in January, with reports linking him with a loan move to the Hammers. However, the Irish striker's financial requests are blocking any potential transfer to Upton Park.

A Hammers insider said: "The terms the player and the club are demanding are impossible."

The club have also baulked at a move for Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor, after they discovered the enormous wage the player is on at Eastlands: an astonishing £180,000-a-week.

Monaco striker Dieumerci Mbokani is more within the Hammers' means, for a club more than £90 million in debt, but there are complexities over obtaining a work permit.

The Congo international joined Monaco from Standard Liege for £7 million in the summer, but wants to move to east London. West Ham, though, know they will not be granted a work permit, and their only chance to get one is on appeal.

One move that could go through in January, however, is that of Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell. A deal is in advanced stages and could be completed as soon as the window opens.