West Ham United have targeted Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck this week, with a £4m bid being touted by the Sky Sports.

If the Hammers are serious about buying the 27-year-old, they're going to surely have to come up with a better amount than that.

As they hunt a Premier League spot they're not going to want to sell their key players, but with the deadline approaching they might not have a choice.

There's every chance that the Hammers will be back with more money and eventually, their valuation could meet that of the Blades.

That valuation is sure to be significantly more than the initial £4m though. In this day and age that is a derisory figure for a top flight side to be offering for a Championship player fighting for promotion.

Here's three reasons why he's worth much more than that.

Seller's Market

It's a seller's market right now. Sheffield United are not under pressure to get rid of the player. If anything, they're in a position to refuse much bigger bids.

West Ham have much bigger reserves of cash too, knowing a Premier League side have means only serves to make this an insulting offer. They've got to double it before they even get their phone call acknowledged.

Key Player

 

Why would Sheffield Untied sell him on the cheap? He's started 28 matches for them and they're third in the table.

Any other top three club would be demanding £10m plus for a player of his age and worth to the squad. How West Ham thought £4m was a fair price is a mystery. It's not 2001.

Replacement Costs

If the Blades did sell, how much would they need for a replacement? They wouldn't be able to spend the £4m and get a player of his experience and quality to have the same impact.

Even if they eyed up a replacement at £4m, what would be the point?