Spurs have launched a third bid to West Ham for Mohammed Kudus worth in excess of £60 million, and although they’ve improved the timeline between payments, it’s still not hitting the mark.

The offer, made up of a £50 million base and £12.5 million in add-ons, has been slammed by the Hammers board as simply “unacceptable.”

Tottenham’s Add-On Structure Rejected by West Ham

West Ham have made it clear they won’t entertain deals based on what they see as pure fantasy. According to Graeme Bailey, £10 million of the add-ons depend on Tottenham winning either the Premier League or the Champions League.

That part of the deal has been firmly dismissed by the Irons hierarchy as pointless, with sources close to the club calling the clauses “ridiculous” and “nothing close to realistic.”

While Spurs did adjust the timing of payment instalments compared to previous offers, the new structure hasn’t done nearly enough to shift West Ham’s position.

Related: Fabrizio Romano Reveals Kudus Only Wants Spurs Transfer

Levy’s Negotiation Approach Leaves Sullivan Frustrated

According to Claret & Hugh, West Ham are growing increasingly annoyed with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s negotiation style. It’s not just about the money anymore; it’s now about the process and optics.

A source close to David Sullivan said: “Levy’s playing games again, trying to work this deal out in the press instead of the boardroom.”

The vibe from inside the club is simple. The club already made their stance clear by implementing a “Tottenham Tax” on any Kudus sale. However the sentiment now is that Spurs simply aren’t being serious enough, and until they come up with a straight-up cash offer that reflects Kudus’s value, there’s nothing to discuss.

Kudus Sale Only Happens on West Ham’s Terms

Reports suggest that West Ham would be open to a clean cash sale of just under £60 million, but are categorically ruling out any more negotiation based on sweetened but unrealistic bonuses.

That puts the ball squarely in Tottenham’s court. They’ve tried three times now, and three times West Ham have shut the door.

Negotiations haven’t broken down entirely, but it would take a serious shift in Tottenham’s approach to get back to the table in a meaningful way.

Chelsea Keeping Tabs on the Situation

Chelsea remain in the background and could jump into action if they clear space. If Noni Madueke moves on, most likely to Arsenal, Enzo Maresca is said to be keen to move for Kudus. That could spark a bidding war, just when Spurs thought they were inching closer.

Kudus, for his part, hasn’t helped his case with some West Ham supporters by reportedly favouring a move to Spurs, according to separate reports earlier this week.

Right now, it’s Spurs or nothing and if Tottenham really want him, they’ll have to show up with proper cash and less fantasy.