THE TALK OF FOOTBALL

WEST HAM are exploring a deal for Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz, who is open to a loan move. The former Lyon striker could replace Sebastien Haller, who West Ham sold to Ajax last week and have also discussed Josh King of Bournemouth and Abdallah Sima from Slavia Prague. The Spanish side are also trying to sell Luka Jovic. STOKE CITY are willing to let forward Tom Ince leave on loan — he has interest from Wolfsburg, Schalke and Lille. The loan arrival of Rabbi Matondo from Schalke means the Potters will allow Ince, 28, to leave if clubs cover his £50,000-a-week wages. Stoke also want Crewe’s exciting leftback Harry Pickering and Alfie Doughty, the Charlton midfielder.