Chelsea have had an approach for Mohammed Kudus knocked back by West Ham.
Standard Sport understands that while an official bid has not yet been lodged, Chelsea were told during informal talks that the Ghana international would not come cheap.
Chelsea have had Kudus on their radar for some time and are not the only club who have enquired about his availability this summer.
Kudus has a €100million (£85m) release clause for Premier League clubs inserted into his contract, which is active for the first 10 days of July.
He has starred for West Ham since joining the Hammers in a £38m deal from Ajax in 2023.
Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and have been active in the transfer market ahead of the Club World Cup.
West Ham do not want to lose Kudus but accept his sale would bring in much-needed cash.
They consider Jarrod Bowen the only player in the squad who is strictly not for sale under any circumstances.
West Ham have decided not to take an option to sign Carlos Soler after his loan spell from Paris Saint-Germain last season.
The midfielder made 33 appearances in all competitions last season but will return to PSG, who are expected to attempt to sell him this summer.
