Monday 29 January 2018 20:29, UK
West Ham have had an £18m bid for Fulham's Tom Cairney rejected, according to Sky sources - their second attempt at buying the player.
The Hammers' latest offer for a top target follows a £15m offer that was made last week.
Sky Sports News understands West Ham were told they are wasting their time and not even an offer of £40m would be considered.
Cairney was a notable absentee for Fulham's 3-1 victory over Barnsley on Saturday, with manager Slavisa Jovanovic confirming he missed out as a result of his ongoing knee injury and was not fit enough for a place on the bench.
The Scotland international is understood to want a move to West Ham but the player and his representatives accept he will not be sold this month, according to Sky sources.
Fulham are in a strong position after Cairney signed a contract extension until 2021 just last summer, following interest from Newcastle United.