West Ham near Benayoun move after late twist

Aug 31, 2012 10:05:00 PM

The Israel international is set to return to Upton Park on a season long-loan after Chelsea agreed to cover a portion of his wages

By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

West Ham are close to securing a season-long loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

The Hammers made an offer for the 32-year-old's services earlier on Friday but were knocked back by the west Londoners, who initially refused to cover a high enough percentage of the midfielder's wages.

West Ham chiefs had given up on the possibility of landing Benayoun until a late change of heart from Chelsea, who have now agreed to pay what is believed to be a considerable portion of his £92,000-a-week salary.

Benayoun, who first joined West Ham from Spanish side Racing Santander in 2005, now appears set to return to Upton Park after spending the 2011-12 season on loan from Chelsea to Arsenal.

Benayoun made 63 appearances during his first two-year spell in East London, and helped the club to an FA Cup Final in his first season.

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