Adriano Agita

While Alan Curbishley was last night denying any knowledge of a move for Inter Milan striker Adriano, the club decided to release an official statement that confirmed that talks were already taking place. It read: "Following speculation in the press West Ham can confirm we are holding talks with Inter Milan over striker Adriano. The figures that have been quoted in the media are inaccurate as the possible deal is in its early stages and money has not yet been discussed. The club are investigating the possibility of a loan deal at this stage." As confusing as this contradictory stance may be, it is nothing compared to the wildly conflicting reports of the situation in this morning's papers. The Guardian claim West Ham officials were in Milan last night to discuss with their counterparts the possibility of a loan deal, which Inter are known to favour. Adriano is under contract to the Serie A club until 2010 and they are not yet ready to give up on their investment. The player has struggled for the past two seasons, partly because of injuries, and Inter believe that regular football elsewhere would be beneficial in returning him to top form.

The sticking point for Inter and any interested party, claims the article, is the player's reluctance to go on a temporary transfer. "When I could have left the club, I didn't do it," said the 25-year-old, referring to the moves he turned down, to Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona, when he was in top form three years ago. "Now, if I have to leave, I would only do it on a permanent transfer. But my wish is to remain at Inter. I don't want to go on loan again. I already went once to Parma when it was right for my career. Now, if I must really leave, I'll go and that's it." Speed is of the essence for West Ham and not only because the transfer window closes on Friday night. Manchester City and Lazio are also interested but not Arsenal, whose manager, Arsène Wenger, revealed yesterday that he had turned down the opportunity to take Adriano on loan.

The Mail claim the Premier League's Brazilian recruitment drive stepped up another gear last night as Manchester City were preparing to see off competition from West Ham with a £12million bid for the Inter striker. The paper reveal that City were originally weighing up a loan deal for the 25-year-old powerhouse, and that West Ham yesterday sent a delegation to Milan to discuss a similar package. Now City boss Sven Goran Eriksson, who has already held talks with Adriano's representatives, is aware the player does not want to go on loan and City are trying to stretch their budget to pull off what would be a remarkable coup at wages of around £70,000 a week. Adriano has been at Inter for four seasons and has scored 43 goals in 99 games to add to the 25 goals he has struck for Brazil in just 36 internationals.

Jason Burt, writing in The Independent, has a slightly different take. He insists West Ham officials were in Milan last night but with the intention of negotiating the permanent signing of the Brazilian striker. Although talks initially started over a season-long loan for the 25-year-old, both he and the Italian champions have made it clear they would prefer a permanent transfer and West Ham have been encouraged to push ahead, although they face competition from Lazio. Burt claims Adriano's £80,000-a-week wage demands are not regarded as a problem by West Ham, although they were still trying to agree a fee last night, with Inter hoping to receive more than £15million for a player who has fallen dramatically down the pecking order. "We are not rushing into anything," a club source said. "There are conversations taking place. He is a great player and we would like to sign him." If Adriano signs it will fulfil Eggert Magnusson's ambition of landing a spectacular transfer deal this summer – something he privately promised after the departure of Carlos Tevez. It will also act as a statement of intent for the club.

Adriano, who joined Inter six years ago, has endured a difficult time in recent months with accusations that he enjoys the party life having affected his prospects for club and country. He was dropped from the Brazilian national squad with coach Dunga saying he had to "change his behaviour". West Ham moved for the player, states Burt, after finally dropping their interest in Nicolas Anelka, despite being willing to pay more than £10million for the Bolton Wanderers striker. It appears he will now either move to Portsmouth or remain at the Reebok. West Ham have also accepted defeat, for now, in their hunt for Eidur Gudjohnsen, despite having a bid of £6.76million accepted by Barcelona. Gudjohnsen's knee injury is proving troublesome and he may have to undergo surgery. West Ham are likely to bid again for Gudjohnsen in January with the striker, who has come round to the idea of moving to Upton Park, saying he wants to get himself fully fit before he decides his future.