West Ham United owner David Gold has opened talks with Inter Milan loanee Victor Obinna about signing him permanently.
The 23-year old Nigerian has been impressive since landing at Upton Park earlier this season and although there is no option to sign him when his loan ends, the Hammers are keen to tie him up to a permanent deal providing the club stays aloft.
"We don't have an option to buy Victor at the end of his loan deal," Gold told the Daily Star.
"But we have spoken to Inter and we do have an understanding with them.
"We've been impressed with Victor. Hopefully we can do some business because he is a player we want to keep.
"Of course, that would depend on which league we are playing in next season, but we are confident we can get out of the position we are in."
