West Ham United were ready to make Inter Milan striker Adriano the highest paid player in the club's history.

The Hammers had a bid - believed to be £15 million - accepted by Inter last week, but after several days of negotiations, couldn't convince Adriano about a move to Upton Park.

The News of the World says the Hammers were willing to pay the Brazil international £100,000-a-week to come to London.