The Guardian says Hammers deputy chief executive, Scott Duxbury, was in Milan on Tuesday to speak to Inter officials in the hope of smoothing a 12-month loan for the 25-year-old forward. Yet, despite agreement in principle between the clubs, Adriano has refused to countenance a loan move abroad and remains in dispute with Inter over his future.

Inter would rather loan the player, but the Brazilian is more keen to make a permanent move if he does not feature in the San Siro club's plans, with Lazio his preferred destination.