Napoli coach Rafa Benitez was almost been priced out of the running for the West Ham United job without talks commencing!

The Mail on Sunday says representatives of Rafa initially asked for a staggering £6m for West Ham to talk to their client.

Intro fees are not uncommon in business consultancy. Commercial recruitment or indeed football but would rarely run above six figures.

West Ham top brass were staggered at the request and turned it down flat. It is understood however that there has been informal dialogue with Benitez at no expense since.