Why West Ham have moved closer to Jamie Vardy deal as transfer offer blocked
West Ham United are seeing their Jamie Vardy transfer rivals dropping.
The veteran striker has been strongly linked with a move to the London Stadium this summer.
Vardy, 39, is now a free agent after leaving Cremonese this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
West Ham do seem to be in the market for a striker before the deadline, and Vardy could be a shrewd addition to Nuno Espirito Santo's attack.
Given his pedigree and goalscoring exploits throughout his career, West Ham aren't the only side in the running to sign him.
However, the race for his signature may now have a few less runners and riders.
Why Sheffield Wednesday can't currently sign Jamie Vardy
Given Pablo's recent injury and a lack of depth behind Taty Castellanos, Nuno would be wise to add another centre-forward this summer.
Vardy's name has cropped up as a potential cost-effective option in recent weeks, as West Ham grapple with their new Championship financial reality.
League One side Sheffield Wednesday have also been touted with an ambitious swoop for the ex-Leicester City star.
They're rebuilding themselves under new ownership in England's third-tier after exiting administration, and are hoping to win promotion this season.
However, The Star - who also reaffirm West Ham's interest - have revealed that Wednesday have had an offer for Vardy knocked back by the EFL (English Football League).
The Owls are working under a business plan agreed with the EFL as part of their exit terms for coming out of administration without a points deduction.
As a result, Wednesday's new owners can't inject their own money into the playing budget, meaning they can only spend what they've agreed with the EFL.
The Star claim that Wednesday sent a proposal to the EFL that involved what a deal for Vardy would look like, but they rejected it on grounds that it fell outside of said budget.
Because of this, the report claims that a move to Hillsborough for Vardy is now 'very unlikely', thus potentially opening the door further for West Ham.
Wednesday aren't the only transfer rival who they may no longer be in Vardy competition with either.
Which other club has pulled out of Vardy race?
Vardy certainly seems to have some interesting options on the table regarding his next move this summer.
In terms of profile, few clubs that have been linked to him can rival West Ham in stature.
However, Brazilian side Sao Paulo are one of them, as they are one of South America's biggest and most successful clubs.
They too have been credited with an interest in signing Vardy, which could've presented a big threat to West Ham's chances of landing him.
However, The Star now claim in their aforementioned report that the Brazilians have eased their interest as a result of their own financial capabilities.