Red tape that could stop Edson Alvarez leaving West Ham as transfer agreed

Edson Alvarez clearly has no future at West Ham United.

The midfielder is currently away after crashing out of the World Cup with Mexico in that famous England win at the Azteca.

Alvarez hasn't had a future at the London Stadium for months now.

Spending last season on loan with Fenerbahce, it didn't go well enough to prove a permanent move to Turkey.

With the Irons dropping into the Championship, the gritty star is the perfect candidate to leave and cut the wage bill.

But, not is all as it seems with Alvarez.

Edson Alvarez exit is not straightforward despite agreement

West Ham Zone have previously covered that FC Koln have agreed a loan deal to sign Alvarez.

Now, things appear to be unravelling.

BILD has reported in its print edition on Tuesday that Alvarez is now hesitating, despite initial encouragement.

The 28-year-old is said to be the preferred option of the Bundesliga side, but a severe paycut would be needed.

On top of that, the German newspaper say he may need to throw away his international future with Mexico.

So, despite the agreement, the red tape is starting to be revealed.

What does West Ham midfield look like?

It's been a rough area for the Hammers.

Nuno Espirito Santo has very little to work with, with Mateus Fernandes also being sold to Tottenham.

Alvarez looks likely to leave, and Tomas Soucek picked up what looked like a serious injury at the World Cup.

So, Freddie Potts, Soungoutou Magassa and Mohamadou Kante could all get a very big chance in the Championship.

West Ham will eventually enter the market themselves, though, and it's very clear where they need to strengthen immediately.

Midfield is key in the Championship, you need your engine room to be tough, but also have that flair to keep the ball and dominate your opposition.

Do any of Potts, Kante and Magassa have that? Maybe not as a whole package, which is no offence to them.

Alvarez is on big wages at the London Stadium, and clearing those is the first step to bringing in your own players.

West Ham are close to that.