RICARDO PEPI has rejected a move to West Ham and is waiting for Fulham to force PSV’s hand with a third bid.
The Hammers made a late-window approach for the American striker but were promptly turned down.
Advances from a high-flying German team were also knocked back as Fulham continue their push for the 23-year-old.
SunSport understands that the Cottagers are less than £1million away from meeting PSV‘s valuation.
But they are playing hardball with only four full days of the winter window remaining – and there is no guarantee they will make up the difference.
Fulham offered a £29.5m package as part of their second proposal, but PSV are holding out for £30.4m [€35m].
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Their game of chicken will have to be resolved soon as PSV will not sanction a deal on deadline day.
The Dutch side did not come into the window intending to sell Pepi and will insist on having a replacement lined up before sanctioning his exit.
Leaving their final bid until the eleventh hour could therefore cost Fulham one of their prime targets.
Pepi suffered a broken forearm earlier this month and will be out of action until the middle of March.
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But that has not deterred Fulham, who see the Texan as a long-term solution up front.
Rodrigo Muniz has hardly played for Marco Silva this season, while Raul Jimenez will be out of contract in June.
Pepi was playing MLS football with FC Dallas by the age of 16 and made his United States international debut two years later.
A brief stint at Augsburg and a loan move to Groningen preceded his 2023 switch to PSV, where he has netted 37 goals in 90 games.
